Chapter 40 (according to the Index Out for the Stry this is Chapter 38)

Hello everyoneeeeee….

Okkk okkk guysssss!!

Here I am back with the Update on the Evening of Thursday as promised!!

And as most of you also wanted and so did my Heart – I am going ahead with posting the FULL CRAZY LONGEST UPDATE I HAVE EVER WRITTEN – 22K PLUS WORDS!!

AND I HOPE EVERYONE IS STAYING IN AND STAYING SAFE – I AM USING ALL THE LOCKED IN TIME BY UNLEASIING MASSIVE CHAOS ON MY LAPTOPS KEYPAD HAHA…FOR THE WRITING IS FLOWING – THE BEST WAY FOR MY HEAD TO HANDLE THESE 21 DAYS LOCKDOWN IN INDIA FOR SURE!

And I am obviously very eager to know what each one of you my lovely readers think as always by the end of every Chapter and for bringing this Story Out to Life to Words through the Thoughts of my Head and the Plot is like super super close to My Heart – so kknow this guys each of your comments means the world to me, so please keep them coming!

All my silent readers too – I would love to know what you all think every once in a while and a big fat THANK YOU to each one of you who regularly comment and give me feedback every update without fail, for it motivates me greatly!

And KNOW THAT MY  LOVELY READERS – HIT WICKET MY HEART WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT AND LOVE!

SO THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN GUYS AND NOW I SHALL LET YOU ALL DIVE IN WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY!

Please ignore editing errors for I haven’t proofread!

Much love guys.

always

………..

CHAPTER 38 – AND EVEN THE WORD ‘LOVE' FALLS SHORT

Four Days Later

25th November – The Day of The Final

6.00 PM

JOHANNESBURG

Khushi's POV

Happpyyyy Dancing in My Head Guys!!!

Likeeee Yippppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Yippppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to another Level to the edge of Planet Neptune!!

Ahhhhhhhaàaaaaa!

And well I am sure you all have Understood the reason behind my all that crazy Yippppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeee- ing!!

But I shall tell you all about it anyway!

So you what guysssss...Guess guess where am I Guys??

Where am I??

Haha...well that’s a easy guess for Most of You..because you all know how Insaner I am in love with MY Hoodie Guy!

So.

Guys.

I got of the bus a while ago at the JOHANNESBURG Bus Station and right now I am currently in a Uber ( haha),which is taking me to the Wanders Stadium for the ICC T20 World Cup Final Matchhhh!!!

Likeeee Yippee Guyssss!

Like A SuPer Duper Powerful Yipppeeee !!

Hahaha!!

God Help meeee!

I am freaking so excited right nowwwww!

Ok so Wait.

Ohooo.

I started off with my excited rant again which I will anyway continue in a bit but first let me all give you a brief about what all has happened in the last four days..just like a quick glimpse!

Soooo yesssss we had the Two Major Semi Finals on the 22nd November between SOUTH africa vs Australia and then on 23rd in between of India and WEST Indies!

But guysss sadly to our disappointment, our Home team the Proteas lost the first semi final in a thrilling high pressure last ball finish game and so Austrlaia immediately sealed its spot in the Finals.

And then.

And then.

And then.

Haha.

Ok then!

I shall just say it out loud and temper down the intensity on that ‘ then' Build Up.

Hahaha!

Yeah yeah

I am crazy!!

Okkkk so anyway,here it Goes!

India won the Semi's with West Indies at Durban Guysssss!!!!

Oh yipppeeee again!

What a match that was guys!

Like the West Indies fell short in the Chase by like 5 runs!

It was A Epic Game!

Anyway well you can imagine the excitement now on the other side of the world in India right now and all the Indian cricket team fans as they wait with racing hearts to witness the most anticipated Clash in between of Australia and India in the Finals of The ICC T20 World Cup – which starts at 7:30 PM Our Time!!

And now with our Home Boy not playing the Final..India is clear favourite for the Win amongst everyone in SOUTH AFRICA mostly..I mean ofcourse there are a lot of people rooting for Australia too but we know that Most of the stadium will be swimming in Blue for Everyone will be wearing the India Jerseys of Blue coded Clothes in order to support the very popular – Men In Blue!

Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

But Guys Please Note this as I think this in my head!

I am pretty sure that the excitement I am feeling within right now as the taxi is driving me to the Stadium kind of beats the excitement of all the Indian fans all over the world combined!!

Yeah!

Insaner who???

Insaner Me Daamiit!

Insaner Me!

And ohhhh Yes...after a lot of successful consumption of Digienes I have managed to conceal this from My Hoodie Guy and you know one more thing?

Haha!

So I told my Hoodie guy that we would definetly not get on a videocall for the last two Days because it’s like the last two day and I will see him in real time now on MY Bday! Haha..well you all know why I did this because I cant have any of my gestures give me away for this Epic Surprise but to him I told him Cmon Hoodie Guy after than Chanced Wide Ball encounter four days ago..let’s do this for each other..you know it will build up the emotion within us..haha..and I asked it off him so adorably after his win in the Semi's that he obviously agreed..he called me A Wicked Magician though and himself a person whose been cast under my magical spell for he just cant say No to me for anything!

Haha!!

I loved it!

Ok so in my Hoodie Guys Head he obviously thinks that I am very excited and I am prepping for the final screening in hit WICKET Your Tongue – back in Cape Town!

And we were just on our usual text chat as usual until the team was leaving the Hotel.He is getting on the team bus right now and he will text me the minute he sits in his usual spot and plugs in his music to soothe himself before the High Pressure Game!

Guysss seriously this is crazy High Wigh Pressure Stuff as in all these Games,these International tournaments,playing for the pride of ones country etc..like literally hats Off to all the players all over the world and not just that I want to Salute every sportsperson out there in the Globe at whatever level, in any of the sport they play!

It’s like this undying spirit of sportsmanship is freaking commendable – no matter what the sport, what level- it’s the grit and determination that’s insanely Inspirational!

And oh guys yes also one more thing – the situation with my link up in the national papers with Asher – totally in control as in it just wasn’t written about again and My Hoodie Guy was saying that maybe Asher did handle it all well at his level and then he also told me that he spoke to his Mom,dad and Anjali about this like I wanted to have him explain my situation and that they totally understood and were quite amused by it actually and then totally shrugged off the matter like they would shrug of a fly one ones shoulder as in that easy peasy!

Phewwwww!

Thank God!

I mean I was really nervous about this!

Remember how I cried in his arms under that street lamp at the Table MOUNTAIN viewPoint four days ago? Being so worried about it?

Well CRAZYYY Gooffyyy Khushiii!

Seems like you didnt have anything to worry about at all- for his family is like SuperCool!

And I cant wait to meet them!

And oh on that note let me tell you this all my near dear ones are also reaching the Stadium now and I will meet them at a point and then we will get in together.

GOSH!

I AM SO EXCITED!

And I am still on that thought as my phone beeps.

It’s MY Hoodie Guy ofcourse!

Him : and 20 minutes to the Stadium now Love! We just left the hotel! Gosh it was crazy with the press and media all gathered out..as we got in the bus Love! Exhilarating as usual!

Me : oh wow! And I am sure the atmosphere in the stadium will be no less than exhilarating Love..for it’s like India is clearly a favourite.. haha..and you wont beleive what a full house it is here already at the cafe!! And they are also saying that the stadium will be obviously jammed packed today!goshhh I am soo excited to watch you play the Finals Love..so so so EXCITEDDDD!Carnage kisses My Dumbledore!are you nervous Love?

I tap send.

Haha you see that line there where I mentioned I am excited to watch him play the finals? – haha true no Guys! Haha he just thinks it’s going to be from the screen again!

Phone beeps.

Him: haha thank you Sunshine...your energy is my addiction!and well to be honest..a little nervous obviously..its the final ofcourse and a very very high pressure game Love! Everyone is deep in thought and calms and silence as we are about to the reach the stadium – you know we spend this time just relaxing and recollecting our thoughts!

Me : yes Love but you always end up chatting with me on your routes to the Stadium..let’s not text no love if you need this bit of time to yourself!( I add a heart and kiss)

Him : well for me being with you is more relaxing Sunshine! This is what I need more right now and Always – Just You!

Me : ( I add a line of Hearts) me too love me too..ok hoodie guy..listen to me please done be nervous ok? You got this..your team got this..as in I have seen and known from you how determined you all are and how dedicated towards your game and the pride of your nation..just give it your best shot love and dont worry about the result! The worry hampers the best of efforts.. look Love and you toh dont have anything to worry..you have the Elder Wand..( I add a wink)

Him : an elder wand? I am sure it’s thing related to your magical Dumbledore!

Me : hahaha which is You ofcourse and yes yes..look look the vice captain of the indian cricket team is picking up on Harry Potters references now in my company..haha..well so yes..its Dumbledore's wand ok the elder wand..as the most powerful magic wand in the world of Harry Potter Love!

I tap send and I keep grinning to myself!

Him : gosh sunshine! You amuse me so muchhh and it relaxes me on another levels and guess what..I’m going to totally keep Krishs toss coin in my pocket today while I play today as an extra lucky charm but when I bat ofcourse as in I cannot risk it falling of my pocket in the field when we are fielding ofcourse!

Me : ( a line of Heartssssssss) thank you Love..and I am sure that he is up there watching this and dancing in glee!carnage kisses.

Him : to you too MY Sunshine ...Carnage Kisses! I love you..

Me : I lovee youuu My Hoodie guy! Reached the stadium yet? Just play your best Love and it shall be a good game anyway and know that I will be praying furiously for you just like all the Indian fans across the globe!

I asked him that because I am about to reach the stadium in the next minute!

Him : thank you so muchhh Sunshine! Your prayers and love,mom,dad, and Anjali in the stands ..what more can I ask for when I play the most crucial game of the Year! And I am just reaching in a minute Love! Carnage kisses to you and I shall text you after the game now Love! For it’s going to be crazy today the minute I step out of the Bus.

Me : I love you! I love you so muchhh...there isnt anything in the world I wouldnt do for you love!

Him : I knowww Sunshine! I knowww!

Me : ok off you go now! Dont reply now! I am with you anyway!

Him : Always in my Heart Love! ALWAYS !( not replying now)

I smile to myself as I read that and I send out a silent prayer for him again!

God please!

Let India win this!

And Let My Hoodie guy also be awarded with the Man of the Tournament award!

Please!

God Pleaassssssssssseeeeeee!

And right then my taxi pulls into the deep off point a little out of the stadium because its CRAZYYY CRAZYYY todayyy!

Likeeeee crazzzyyy!!

And now as I get off the taxi..and I pick up my cross body and sling it across my body and I quickly text Rahul about the point I am waiting for everyone and I now put my phone in the bag safely and zip it back up.i obviously just got my essentials in my sling bag..I had packed up my stuff for the night in Diya's suitcase and sent it off with her in the flight!

I take a deep breathe as I just stand there at the drop point and look at the ambience around!

And I am dazed a little because I have never experienced this!

And this was what my little Krish wanted to experience!

For You – Krishhh!

My eyes do well up with a little emotion now and I tie my hair in a high ponytail and rub my hands over my Hoodie Guys jersey that I am wearing the one I wear everyday anyway with my skinny fit blue denims and I also adjust the blue Cap over my Head and pull my ponytail through the back and and I adjust the Cap over my Head and I do wipe a overwhelmed with emotion happy and excited and nervous tear out of the corner of my eye!

Well this is a big monumental step for me in My life you know guys..stepping into the Wanders stadium for the first time in my life to watch the very first live cricket match with my own eyes and that too at the place where My little Krish wanted to do this for himself!

Krishhh my Little brother- you are watching this aren’t you??

Daddy Mommy – I hope you are proud of me right now!

I hope you are Happy up there seeing your brave little girl trying to see and do things only positively in Life now!

Well you know what Daddy – MoMmy and Krish – you would have loved My Hoodie Guy not just for his game but for the man he is!

In his Heart!

His Love gave me this power!

It taught me to always Turn on the Light – No matter how dark the room is and you know iv been doing just that ever since!

Every Minute of the everyday of My Life!

For I know you are all watching Over Me!

I love you all and for you all today and for My Hoodie Guy – I shall do this with a grin up my face , and only Love in My Heart!

I am still standing a little dazed to my spot feeling in awe of the ambience and my emotions within me and looking at the Wanders Stadium from the outside standing magnificently in front of me in all its Glory!

And right then I feel a hand come around my shoulder startling me out of my thoughts and I look sideways to see a grinning Rahul as he asks with concern in his voice – “ you ok donkey??i know this is big for you..”

I Nod at him with a smile as i say – “ i am ok Monkey and I know this is big and that is why I have to do this today...and I will..”

And Diya laces her hand around my shoulders from the other side as she says – “ and we are so proud of you khushi...for this..”, and she kisses my cheek and they both hug me and I hug them and right then I hear Uncles voice from behind me – “ ok ok everyone let’s get in now..or we willl miss the toss..and I am coming to the stadium after so long now,not missing even a bit..cmon..”,and I pull back from Rahul and Diyas supportive hug and right then I am pulled into another hug by Aunty and Uncle and aunty kisses my forehead and she brushes her hands lovingly over the side of my face now as she wipes a tear out of her eye – “ you my little girl are very brave..and we are so proud of you for facing your fears head on this way..it takes a lot of courage..”

Uncle kisses my forehead as he says – “ and your daddy is very happy up there today..I think hes chilling with his beer from up there and telling me cmon let’s go in and watch the game..”

I chuckle now.

That could surely be my daddy – for he was CRAZYYYY cricketing Fan!

Reckon do they have a TV up there in Heaven?

And I now see Varun,Zara ,Zain and Asher walk up to us and Zara and Zain pulled me into a crushing group hug again and Zara kissed my forehead and Zain hugs me and then Varun hugs me too and then I just nodded back politely at Asher as he smiled at me and I looked at all of my near and dear ones and I was overwhelmed and eternally grateful to them for their never ending support!

Thank You God.

I wipe happy tears now that were threatening to leave my eye and I take a deep breathe and I say with a grin – “ cmon guys let’s get in now...and make India win this..”

Varun jumped immediately – “ well I am surely going to loose my voice today because I will be hooting like crazyyy..”

And we all laugh and now start to walk in.

So okkk Guysss.

You know what had happened?

So Asher and Zain had booked us all the seats for us in this VIP box ok?

But by chance before they could tell Rahul about this – he had already booked us tickets for the stand on the first balcony which was his usual favourite spot to watch the games from and then Rahul was obviously like Guys it’s more fun from the balconies because you get the feel of the game totally in it – the entire feel of it the thrill and from where the VIP box was he did say that the balcony was a better view and so then he convinced Asher and Zain that we all watch together from the balcony and Asher and Zain had shared the VIP box tickets with some top professionals from their companies who were very happy at receiving the match passes obviously!

So Now as I take up the Stairs behind everyone to our box..its like I cannot even begin to word what I am feeling within for I am Stumped with Happiness and Emotion.

I am doing this Guys!

And I just follow everyone and we now take our seats at the box In the fourth row and Zara,Diya,Aunty and Me sit together and Asher,Rahul,Zain,Uncle and Varun sit behind us on the fifth, well Zara and Diya insist that we all girls sit together so that we can discuss about how Hot the players were in the Australian team as well and then ofcourse their favourite ASR too!

Haha!

Jeezzzz!

These two are adorable and funny and I obviously know why they dont want their Husbands to overhear their discussions over big biceps and physique of the men on the field!

Haha!!

Ok.

And Guysssss.

OH my God!

We are all dressed in Blue and denims’s and Me,Diya,Zara and Varun and Rahul in Jerseys and rest in just blue Colour coded clothes ,but we all have the Cap on though now!

And oh my God the excited faces of the crowd around me!!

And the THRILL OF THE MOMENT IN TIME!

OH MY FREAKING GOD!

AMAIZZINGGGGG!

BEYOND JUST AMAZINGGGGG!

AND THEN ITS FREAKING AWESOME AND UNBELEIAVLE AS THE INDIAN FANS NOW START CHANTING – INDIA INDIA IN A ADDICTIVE RHYTHM AND WE ALL HAPPILY JOIN IN!

HAHAHA!!!

THE THRILL!

AND THIE OBVIOSULY IRICKS OF THE AUSTRALIAN FANS IN EASCH OF THE STANDS AND NOW WE HAVE THEM CHANTING AUSTRALIA!

THEY ARE FAR LESS IN NUMBER THOUGH AND THE CHANT OF INDIA AND INDIA OBVIOUSLY TAKES OVER!

HAHAHAHAHAH!!

GUYS THIS IS FUN!!

I turn back in glee and I look at Rahul as I admit – “ this is crazy monkey...I cant beleive you didnt tell me this is how exhilarating this feels..like oh my god...like look at this all for the love of the game.. I mean I have seen this on TV but just feeling this around myself in real..like wow...”

Rahul winks at me – “ told you donkey...told you..”

I grin now and Zain playfully nudges on my Cap as he says – “ look at that smile on your face Khushi...bummed you missed the quarters and the Semi’s though..it was Insane..well obviously this is crazier because it is the Finals..”

Asher smiles as he says – “ and I thought you wouldnt come because our home team didnt make it because you did tell us that you would come if it was south africa vs india..”

I smile back politely – “ yesss but then I thought..let’s go watch India play atleast..you do know I aam such a big fan of the entire team..especially ASR..”

Asher grins at me – “ well you wear his jersey to work everyday Khushi..we all know that..”

Rahul – “ yess yes this donkey almost giving me and Varun competition in ASRs crazy fandom..”

I chuckle and we all share a good laugh!

Uncle- “ okk shhh you all..they are about to come out for the national anthem and then the toss..and pray that Cap wins this kids..because I think it’s a good pitch today whatever I read from the cricbuzz analysis on the way here and which ever captain wins will definitely choose to bat first..”

Rahul leans ahead and he looks at his dad – “ dad you do know it wont make a difference if we stay quiet because theres a full box around us..”

Uncle rolls his eyes now – “ yes but you my son listen to me if you want India to win the world Cup..”

I chuckle on reflex.

Rahul laughs and he bends forward and kisses Diyas cheek in excitement and Diya kisses his check back briefly and oh I am in between of Zara and Diya Guys and now Zara holds my hand and clutches on my hand as she says excitedly – “ oh look the teams are coming out now.. I was so excited when I first went to see the match..Khushi are you excited??“

I nod at her happily and I clutch on her hand and then Diyas with my other hand as my eyes Finally fall on MY Hoodie Guys Frame from afar as I see him walking in behind the Cap on the Line and the rest of the team follows.

AND

OH MY GOD!

THE HAPPINESS I FEEL WITHIN GUYS IS UNBELEIAVLE!

ITS LIKE I KNEW SEEING HIM LIVE IN THE STADIUM WOULD MAKE ME VERY HAPPYYYY BUT GUYS ITS LIKE I AM FEELING HAPPINESS IN A TANGENT THAT I HADNT EXPECTED!

ITS SO DEEPPPPPPP!

LIKE AS IF IT JUST STRUNG A CHORD STRAIGHT INTO MY SOUL!

GODDAMIT!

THIS MAGICAL DUMBLEDORE!!

MY HEART SWELLS WITH A EMOTION SO POWERFUL AS MY EYES ARE FIXATED TO MY HOODIE GUYS DISTANCED FRAME!

AND

I SEND OUT A EQUAL POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE GODS ABOVE WITH ALL THAT I HAVE..FROM THE DEEP CORNERS OF MY HEART AND SOUL – PLEASE GOD..INDIA SHOULD WIN THIS!

Pleaseeeeeeeeee!!!!

......................

100 Minutes Later

Ok Guys!

I am shit nervous!

Just like everyone around Me!

There is like a PIN drop Silence in the Crowd around me!!

So yes!

I think I will chew off all my nails today in anticipation!

Guysss!

The Australian Captain won the Toss and he chose to Bat First!

And Australia as we all know is like a Super COMPETITVE side!

And I think all this Suppport for India in the Stands has kind off riled them up in a very motivational way for they are playing brilliantly!

Like the Batsmen are firing!

And even though the Indian teams bowling and fielding has been very disciplined like very disciplined and on point until now but still like the commentators predicted – it’s a batters pitch as in the ball is totally swinging in to the batsmen favours and now by the end of the 17th Over Australia Is-

AUS – 196 - 6

And we all know this is Huge in a world CUP final!

They are ABSOLUTELY gutted and thrilled the Australian Team!

And this world cup it’s like India and Australia are playing against each other for the first time straight in the finals and their batting line up is obviously strong as in it runs deep down the middle order and major hitters in there as in you can see Even though they are 6 wickets down which India took at decent regular intervals and along with Ravi, and Kumar and another bowler taking on wickets MY Hoodie Guy took two wonderful Catch outs in the Field guys in his Superfan flying style as he shot up twice into the air at the boundary line..once sideways and once upwards..but until now and the bowling has been in control too but the batsmen are totally going for the Big Shots!

However the Indian Team as in the Cap and MY Hoodie Guy and the rest are all looking very calm and composed in the field and not at all frazzled as they are totally into the moment with great determination and grit!

And the look of determination of each of their faces as they are being shown on the big screen in focus too – its like they know – they know what this is...its the world Cup Final and that they have to hold onto the patience and inner strength no matter what!

And theres a great determination on the Australian Hitters face as well as he adjusts his gloves now as the 18th over is about to Start!

We need to get him Out Guys!!

Like really!!

He has the big shots!

And still 12 more balls to go and they are already at 196 at obviously a high daunting total above 200 is anyway going to put a lot of pressure on the chasing time which is India – in a World Cup Final!

And Hence the Silence and the Worry around Me!

And guys because we are in the Balcony we obviously cannot hear the commentary going on live in the Stadium but it’s like I have always been hearing it always..so anyways everyone around me is stumped into a worried Silence and Uncle had ordered us not to move from our seats at all!

And so now I immediately take out my phone and my earphones and plug them in my ears and i open Hotstar and i switch on the live match and just keep my phone in my bag but keep the earphones plugged in my ears so that i can just hear the Commentary!

And i now hear the Commentaroes voice come through in my ears and my eyes are obviously on the field and both my main senses are engaged and plugged into cricket through different mediums, and I close my eyes for a second and I just hear – “ this is worrisome for India,for 196 with still 12 balls to go and with that Hitter at the crease..the Captain is aleady in deep speculating to whom to hand over the second last over because most his other main bowlers are bowled out and he is surely saving Ravi’s last remaining over for the last one and Ravi's spell has been quite balanced and good too with a decent economy and 3 wickets to his name out of the six taken at regular intervals...”

The other commentators voice comes through – “ and India's bowling and line and length has been good too I mean I wouldnt call it loose at all and the fielding has been very disciplined too when the balls been hit into the ground but the last five overs before the last one have completely changed the momentum of the Game and India was obviously thrilled when Ravi claimed that WICKET in the last over so yes it’s good that the Captain has saved him for the last for its 3 wickets to Ravi 2 to kumar 1 to khan and the australian batsmen have totally targeted Singh in his overs with those big shots especially in the last over of his..where he was stumped by that 26 runs they hit off his 16th over the five fours and the brilliant pull shot Sixer which I think was the turning point of this game and this is surprising because Singh has been brilliant in the beginning of the death all through the tournament..”

The commentator- “ maybe it’s the pressure that’s taken to him for it’s his first world cup final..its a big game and he just started playing for India 11 months ago so maybe it’s the pressure..and he knows what a blunder that over was for his team and he was absolutely devastated by the end of it as he slumped to his knees in disappointment...”

The commentator – “ but his captain and vice captain both have backed him up as cap gestured his vice captain to handle him for he couldnt leave his spots from the wickets and so he gestured his right hand his vice captain ASR to take care off it and after a few words exchanged in between of them at the bowling end of the pitch and they way he lent out his support to the young bowler with that engulfing side hug like just any big brother would I think it worked for the young boy and whatever ASR did say to him and the way he patted his shoulder did relax him a little as he is now all smiling and determined at the boundary line..because he is excellent with his catching..its a high pressure game..the mood swings are obviously that one experienced while in it has a big part to play..”

The other commentator – “ yes indeed and just as I had a hunch the 18th over now goes to ASR..the Captain has been turning to him for that crucial over in de between of Deaths every now and then and the surprise deliveries and the line and lengths ASR has up his arm havent disappointed us..let’s hope it doesnt disappoint us today too..for this is huge responsibility on his shoulder of the star opening batsmen in a world cup final ..”

I open my eyes now on reflex and they fall on a distant vision of my Hoodie Guy now talking to the Cap in a very serious conversation and he now walks to the other end and rubbing the ball in his hand and getting ready to bowl now.

They do show a full focus of him up on the screen as hes stepping up the distance for his run for the delivery!

And the determination on his face guys!

Oh my God!

It’s insane!

Zara and Diya are clutching onto my hands from either side in nervousness but they are all silent!

I hear the commentators voice come through my ears – “ and here it goes the first crucial ball...and the batsmen is ready..he is probably going to go in for the big guns..for he knows they have a upper hand right now..they want to build up pressure at the Indian team this over...”

And I catch on to my breath as I see My Hoodie Guy Bowl in Real time and the balls swings out of his hand and oh my god because now I live and breathe Cricket I know that- that ball is A killer Bouncer and I see the batsmen hit it straight up into the air for a Six Shot butttttttt buttttttt but Oh My Goddddd!!!!

Like oh my FREAKING Godddd!!!

Yipppeeee!

Its FREAKING Catch outtttttt by Singh right at the boundary Line!!

He timed that Bouncer perfectly to Mislead the Hitter into hitting it exactly where he wanted and in that silent gesture exchange with Cap before he bowled ,the Cap had gestured to The Young Singh from far to adjust his position at the boundary cover accordingly – like just in Time!!!

Ohhhh my blooddyyy God!

And the crowd around me now goes berserk as they all stand up and the cheering begins and I join in too jumping in and cheering on and clapping like a idiot as I plug out my earphones for a bit and I group hug Diya and Zara and we all cant contain our excitement and Rahul hugs me too now as he says – “ two more dishes to his name after that brilliant bouncer and WICKET Khushi..” and I chuckle as I see zara and Zain hug in Happiness and then Zain and Asher and aunty hugs uncle and I can’t help but grin now I plug my earphones back in and sit back in my seat and now focus on what i am hearing – “ ohhhhhhh yesssss that’s a brilliant catch at the boundary line by Singh...it willl be his saving grace today and look at the thrill on ASR's face as he celebrates with his Cap and team mates around the field..for they know how important was that WICKET right now..for the australian team now it’s just the bowlers coming in who aren’t great with the bat..so maybe India has a chance to contain that total to 204 or 205 maybe..and oh my god look at that that’s Singh running to ASR from the boundary line as he hugs him hard and ASR Pat’s his arms probably congratulating him for the wonderful catch and helping him get the wicket to his name for we know him for being so extremely grounded and humble in the games and now I think the support he extended out to Singh at the end of that devastating 16th over earlier kind off made Singh respect his vice captain a lot more..and what a bouncer that was off his arm..a tricky one indeed..”

I SMILE TO MYSELF WITHIN.

MY HOODIE GUY JUST BOWLED A PERFECT TRICKY BOUNCER TO GET THAT AUSSIE HITTER OUT!

HAHAHA!

AND THE COMPASSION HE SHOWED TOWARDS THE YOUNG SINGH RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME WON EVERYBODY’S HEART GUYS!

MY HOODIE GUY IS THE GREATEST MAN ON PLANET EARTH!!

WHAT A SPORTSPERSON!

HE IS NOW GETTING READY TO BOWL THE NEXT BALL.

AUS – 196 – 7

And the commentators voice comes through in my ears – “ what a ball that is the second one..the new batsmen cant hit it and the Indian captain is happy and so is the Indian Camp bbecuase that is a dot ball, India will be happy with that, what do you think the indian skipper is thinking right now,probably taking on ASR as a full time bowler as well for that is another dot..”

And I smile to myself now and I look at my near and dear ones around me and they are all smiling now and Uncle gestures to us all to keep quiet still and I just roll my eyes at him playfully and I gesture to everyone that I am going to keep silent anyway because I am listening to the commentary through my earphones.

And the commentator – “ and that is another dot my friend,look at the happiness on the Indian Coaches faces in the dug out, and I think the bowling coach is telling coach Das that the wants to take on ASR as a bowler too..”, and I clutch Zara s hand as I see my Hoodie Guy finish bowling the most crucial second last over by giving away no runs at all and a wicket!

YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

He is Magic!

Bloody Magic!

My DUMBLEDORE!

We all go crazy in celebration crazier like before and we all are hugging each other again and out of the corner of my eye my eyes is on the field as I See My Hoodie Guy celebrate that over with his team and the same is in full focus on the huge Screen.

MY HEART SWELLS!

AND THEY ALSSO SHOW A PICTURE OF HIS FAMILY ON SCREEN CELEBRATING AND HUGGING EACH OTHER IN THE SUPER VIP BOX WHICH IS RESERVED FOR THE PLAYERS FAMILIES!

MY HOODIE GUYS FAMILY IS THRILLED BEYOND MEASURE!!

I AM SOOOO SOOOO HAPPYYYY!

I plug my ear phones back in as I hear the commentators come through – “ oh my blooody cricketing gods did we just witness a wicket maiden over off ASR's arm for the very first time and that too in a world cup final.. Unbelievable look at the celebration around and the crowd wont stop chanting his name..what a game on the fielding side for him today two catch outs and then a wicket maiden..bloody brilliant..India contains the score to just about 200 today and they will build a temple to his name in India surely for this is a turning point back for India in the game, for the pitch is very good and Indias batting line up is deep too they know they can chase this..they beleive they can..but will they..?it all depends on the opening partnership in between Shiv and ASR..it is crucial..and now here comes Ravi with the first ball of the last over!

BOWL THEM OUT RAVI..PLEASE BOWL THEM OUT!!!

I Close my eyes and I pray!!!

If Ravi Bowls them Out it will be Amazing!

Like 6 wickets to his name then!

Ok Goddd.

PLEASEEEE!

I PRAYYYYY!

I PRAY FURIOUSLY!!!!!

....................

ARNAV'S POV

I Grin as I Hug Ravi in the Locker room – “ five bloody wickets for you in the T20 world Cup Final..Ravi you are in the race to be the highest wicket taker in the tournament..”

Ravi hugs me back with a grin – “ and your first maiden wicket ASR..like wow, I couldn’t believe it…it was a brilliant my friend, brilliant..and you are in the race to be the batsmen with the maximum run and with that amazing performance with the ball and on the field totally a top contender for thr man of the tournamnet..I am so happy..”,and he paused as Cap walks up to us to us both and pats our shoulders – “that was brilliant boys..bloddy brilliant however like you never know its never over until the last ball..ASR pad up buddy..I need you to anchor this for us as always..”

We nod and Ravi winks at me as Cap is now gone to talk to Shiv and the rest of the teammates.

I have five minutes to myself.

I mean I know the Coach is also going to Come in and Talk to US!

Something is Up with Him Today!

You will not believe the Amazing Motivational Pep Talk he Gave us All before the Start of the Final.

It was Empowering and to be honest I think his words would keep ringing in our ears and that was what made all of us hold onto our calm and composure on the field even though the Aussies played magnificently that it was almost Intimidating!

I respect my Competitors Always!

So yes.

The Aussies finished at 200 – 9 by the end of their innings as Ravi took two more wickets and gave away only four singles, the wickets he took came on the last two balls of the game!

And the crowd went berserk obviously!

And by the start of the 18th over when Cap handed me the ball, the Aussies were at 196 and boy was I Nervous within before I went in with that first ball because I know Cap giving me the ball in the 18th over in the World Cup final was immense responsibility on my shoulders!And while I was stepping up to pace my steps to bowl – in my head first after talking to Cap I was aiming for the Yorker but then I just had a intuition to go in for a BOUNCER instead and I gestured him silently from across to help me adjust the field accordingly and Have Singh in the spot I wanted at the boundary cover, and then because I had been practicing Bouncers in the nets for a long time now..and so I just went with my gut instinct !

AND THAT GOT US THE WICKET WE NEED!

THE CURIOUS CASE OF TRICKY BOUNCERS GUYS! THEY TOTALLY MISLEAD THE BATSMEN TO THINK THEY CAN TIMELY HIT IT FOR A SIX BUT FALL SHORT JUST ABOUT A LITTLE SOMETIMES RIGHT BEFORE THE BOUNDARY COVER – AND THATS THE SHOT I WENT FOR!

I WAS THRILLED.

BUT BOY I was beyond exhilarated after my First Wicket Maiden Over!

This was Epic for Me!!

And I respect my competitors Spirit for the Game and Ambition for the Win..for obviously both the sides were playing for the Win today!

It was Do or Die for them too.

And just like it is Do or Die for Us TOO.

We don’t underestimate our competition ever, that’s a thing I have learned from Cap and Coach greatly over the years and I know the Aussies have amazing bowlers and whatever said and done – we do need a 201 to win this World CUP!

It is a Very High Pressure Game Obviously!

And I close my Eyes as I Channelise all the love and Support that I receive from my loved ones , my family, my friends, and the country and My Sunshine ofcourse and I feel it immediately relaxing my edgy nerves!

This was a Big Game!

And with A Score that High on the Board , I knew a lot of repsonsibilty was on my and Shiv’s shoulders as opening batsmen.

And I now start to Pad Up Immediately taking a deep breathe and I take out Krish’s coin and kiss it lovingly and place it in my pocket safely and now I sit on the bench and I start to pad up now and I see Shiv walk up to me with a smile as he says – “Cap just motivated me in his usual kick ass positive style..cmon.. lets win that Cup man..lets win that CUP..we can chase this and we will..”

I nod at him determined – “ we will…”

And right then I see Coach walk into the Locker room and Cap asks us all to get together and we all gather in a Circle now and Das Sir immediately takes a deep breathe as he smiles – “ yes I know the score is High…a 201 for us for the win…but attainable my boys, nothing is impossible for my Men in Blue, and we all know the Aussie’s have world class bowlers youv all played against a lot of times, but since we are chasing that high score in the final the pressure is on us, and it is only obvious for you all to feel that..but I trust in each of you, we have a brilliant skipper who always knows how to bring out the best in each of you on the field, and this is our chance to get him that second World Cup medal win right here at the Wanders where it all began for him, his golden captaincy period began with that World Cup win for us in 2007 and he was appointed Captain right before that, and I know each of you boys look up to your Skipper, so today as you all step out now to chase that high score I want each of you to channelise all the respect you have within for this man and just give it your best, I don’t say aim for the win today, I am saying aim to play the best game off each of your Lives and I know that is the energy that will bring us the CUP, I don’t want any of you to worry at all as you step out, for the worry will pull you down..back each other up, pull each other up my boys and win that Cup for your country, in which our Game is a religion, and each of you like a Demi god..don’t look at that fan craze as pressure right now boys, think of it at as the devotion they have for the game of cricket and the undying Love they have for each one of you,and our team and the gentleman’s game of Cricket…we respect our competition and I know the Aussies are going to get aggressive head on, aiming to get early wickets..dont let the moment fool you into mistiming your shots, stay calm, stay focused and determined, Do not focus to play to your opponents bowlers weakness.. focus to play with your strengths and play the shots you are confident in and and more than that play with the Love you have for your Game..and know that whether we win or not, the country is proud of you, I am proud of you, we all are proud of each one of You…and we shall always Hold that Bat High no matter what the outcome..”

And he finishes.

And theres a pin drop silence in the dressing room now!

FOR OBVIOUSLY WE ARE STRONGLY MOTIVATED AND EMPOWERED BY HIS WORDS AGAIN!

AND EACH OF US IS SURPIRISED TOO BECAUSE EARLIER ON IN ALL CRUCIAL GAMES HIS USE OF WORDS ARE VERY DIFFERENT – HE MOTIVATES US OBVIOUSLY BUT THE ENERGY ALSO HAS A LOT OF AGGRESSION IN IT AND HE DEFINETLY ASKS US TO ATTACK AND CAPITALISE ON OUR OPPONENTS WEAKNESSES , BUT THIS TIME HES TALKING DIFFERENT!

AND WE LOVE IT!

I CAN SEE THAT EACH OF US ARE MOTIVATED NOW AND HAVE A DETERMINED LOOK ON OUR FACES AS WE NOD AT EACH OTHER AND GET INTO A GROUP HUG AND WE ALL PUT OUR HAND TOGETHER AND WE ALL LOOK AT CAP AND I SAY – “ FOR YOU CAP AND FOR INDIA..WE ARE GOING TO WIN THIS.”

And now we all repeat the same words again to him in union and Cap just grins now as he looks at us and Coach and he says – “well our Sir said it all Boys and I am not going to add anything further to that but just this – that play for yourself too today, it’s a great honour for us to do what we can for our country as international sportsperson…lets give it our best guys, and lets see what happens anyway…”

We all grin and get into another Group Hug and then half the team heads towards the dug out and half back in towards the lockers and just as I am about to head Out with Shiv now, I look at Coach sir and I say with a smile – “ that was amazing Sir..thank you..”

He keeps a hand on my Shoulder – “ ASR My boy, I need you to anchor it through the end today and I know you can and you will…”,and he looks at Shiv as he says – “ your usual strategy Shiv, its your strength capiltalise on it..”

Shiv grins – “ got it Sir..”,and he winks at me – “ whats gotten into our Das Sir today, been under him for five years now and that right now from his mouth was surprisingly amazing...’

I grin as I look at sir – “just what did you Wake up to Today sir??we are loving this,usually you would be stressed, but no look at you, all smiling, and relaxed..whats the secret for this new line of thought Sir?”, I tease him a little with a wink,and I see Shiv chuckle as he walks out.

Coach Sir grins at me and he says – “ how about I tell you the secret after the match..”

I grin – “ ok sir..”,and just as we are about to step out now, I see Cap walk in to the dressing room as he says surprised – “ nobody was expecting this, a sudden light rainshower, not very heavy though,but heavy enough to hault play they are pulling on the covers, lets just hope it settles down soon for we start to loose overs by the end of 75 minutes since it’s the Final..and incase this washes out we start on the reserve day which is tomorrow…”

I look at him puzzled – “ really? A sudden shower?”,and I pause as I say with a gut intuition – “ no i know this will not go to the reserve day and we will not loose the overs too..this is just a pause..and maybe its for the best, for you never know the pitch may work in our favour ”

FOR I HAVE SOMETHING WITHIN TODAY TELLING ME THAT THIS FINAL WILL FINISH TODAY!

Cap grins – “and I feel the same…ok I am going to go to the dug out now..”

And I say immediately – “ I will be with you soon..”

And I walk up to sip on my water now and I gulp down about a lot of it and I sit back on the empty bench and to my surprise just as I sit down I see Coach Sir still standing to his spot and he is looking at me deep in thought and I look at him puzzled and I ask – “ sir is all ok with you??”

He smiles now and he walks upto me and sits next to me and puts a hand on my shoulder as he faces me a little and I face him a little on reflex and he says – “ well you know I am a superstitious man Arnav as in I believe in signs sometimes and today I think this sudden rain is a sign that I need to talk to you about that secret now, because maybe you need to hear this before you get out to play the Innings of your Life..”

I look at him puzzled because he has a concerned look on his face now and I ask – “ what happened Sir?all ok?

He smiles now and he gestures us to now walk towards the more private space in the locker room and I follow and he sits on a chair in front of me and asks me to sit opposite his and he bends forward now and keeps his palms together and he says taking a deep breathe – “well you will be mad at me..but I request you to hear me out completely..”

I look at him puzzled – “ Sir you know I look up to you in the ways I cant explain, why will I ever be mad at you? You know I respect you a lot..”

He smiles – “ I know but you might not for a little while when you hear this..”

I look at him puzzled – “ Sir I don’t understand what are you trying to say?”

Coach Sir takes a deep breathe as he says – “ well you asked me what’s the secret right? As to how am I talking this way in a different energy today…well to be honest to you, I am not ashamed to admit that someone very pure and innocent, who is half my age has taught me the biggest lesson of my life…all through the many months..there’s something about this person that’s been close to my heart like a soft corner ever since , but after Monday, as in the talk I had with this person a couple of days ago.. it just opened my eyes and windows onto another level ASR and it inspired me and I just thank god that this person helped me see things differently at the right time all those months ago…and I want to tell you about who this person is..ASR..”

I look at him and give him a puzzled smile – “ ok sir…and you want to tell me this now because????????????”

He takes a deep breathe and he says – “ and I want to tell this to you now because I think it’s a sign for me because of the pause with the rain , and a intuition from within, a deep one telling me that you need to know who this person is before you play the rest of the game today..as in it was in my head to talk to you about this after the game finishes but I think this has to be now..”

WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM?

WHY IS HE BEING SO CRYPTIC RIGHT NOW?

I look at him still puzzled – “ ok then sir…so who Is this person..”

He takes a deep breathe – “ Its your Mysterious Wifi ASr…that person who has probably given me the biggest lesson of my life is none other than your Mysterious WiFI..”

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT??????????????????????

JUST WHAT DID HE SAY??

LIKE WHATTTT????????????

I LOOK AT HIM ZAPPED AS I SAY – “ EXCUSE ME??SIR?? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY..??”

He takes a deep breathe as he looks straight into my eyes – “ I am talking about Khushi…your Khushi….your uber girl, the love of your life”

WHAT THE FREAKING HELL IS HAPPENING?

I look at him as I asked dazed – “ you know Khushi??? Youv been talking to Khushi?and I don’t know about this???? Hows this even freaking possible..?”

I AM ZAPPED.

KHUSHI ALWAYS TELLS ME EVERYTHING.

THEN WHY NOT THIS?

WAITTTT – I AM SURE SOMETHINGS MAJOR MISSING IN HERE!

KHUSHI MUST HAVE A VERY STRONG REASON FOR NOT TELLING ME THIS!

I TRUST HER ON THAT AS IN SHE WOULD NEVER HIDE SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM ME IF SHE DIDN’T HAVE A STRONG REASON IN HER HEART.

I KNOW THAT.

SO EVEN THOUGH I AM SHOCKED THE FREAKING HELL OUT OF MY MIND RIGHT NOW – IN MY HEART I KNOW – THERE IS SOMETHING MAJOR MISSING IN HERE!

AND NOW I NEED TO COMPLETE THIS PUZZLE – I NEED THOSE PEICES IN MY HEAD!

I look at Coach Sir zapped as I ask again– “ Khushi…my Khushi…you know my Khushi???”

He takes a deep breathe as he says – “ yes I know her and the only reason why she didn’t tell you this is because she has the kindest and purest heart , she knows you well Arnav and I will say this to you first, never let go of that girl’s hand, she is your blessing …”,and he pauses as he speaks again, a second later – “and she obviously knows that the respect you have for me is immense and she felt that you knowing this would lower down my respect in your eyes….and that’s why she told me Coach sir..i know Him in and Out and he respects you more than anything so even though I tell Arnav everything as in everything, I will keep this from him, for his sake, and so must you..becuase I do not want this to hamper the way he looks up to you…”

DAMMIT SUNSHINE!

WHAT IS ‘THIS’?

WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT???

I look at him shaken as I ask – “ knowing what??what this??”

He sighs as he looks at me and now says – “ she didn’t want you to ever know that 11 months ago, around the 15th of December while I was in Cape Town, I met her…”

15th of DECEMBER!

LAST YEAR???

OK.

OK.

I remember that bloody day more than anything!

THAT WAS THE FREAKING DAY MY SUNSHINE HAD THAT CRAZY PANIC ATTACK THAT WAS SO BAD THAT IT EVEN GAVE HER A MASSIVE NOSE BLEED – and THAT LED TO ALL OF THIS US NOT MEETING EACH OTHER IN REAL TIME UNTIL HER BDAY THIS YEAR!

BUT WAIT SHE SAID IT WAS ABOUT HER FEARS AND PHOBIAS AND HER MEETING WITH DR PRIYA THAT DAY!

DR PRIYA!

AND NOW COACH SIR IS TELLING ME THAT HE MET HER ON THE 15TH OF DECEMBER????

MAYBE IT WASNT DR PRIYA AT ALL!

HOLY FREAKING SHIT!

I NEED TO KNOW THIS NOW LIKE BLOODY NOW!

I ask zapped – “ you met Khushi on the 15th of December last year are you FREAKING sureeee?? What time???????? And how did you even know about her???????”

Sir Sighs now – “ I think it was a little before 8pm in the night, on the 15th of December and I knew about her because I overheard you talking to Ravi and Cap on one of the morning breakfasts in Sri lanka and I was happy to know and hear ofcourse that you were in love but I was upset a little to know that you left the match in west indies for her and then ofcourse then you also skipped the one in Auckland because of her even though it was a win win situation for India but a tournament or a series need to be played through until the end ASR until the other team has finished giving it all no matter the earlier result..its a respect for the sport we play and then I was obviously irritated because you also kipped on the meeting with the new Zealand cricket board and then I was obviously pissed further when I had that email from you stating that you will be missing out on all the BCCI meetings from the 23rd Dec to the 2nd of January after the Bangladesh tour ends..and so before I left for Cape Town in order to meet my old buddy who used to be the bowling coach of the Proteas for he was in the hospital recovering from a heart episode, I did get your uber girl’s number from Ravi’s phone when he wasn’t looking….”

I look at him shocked – “ you whatttttttttttttt??????????

LIKEEEE WHATTTTT??????

He nods – “ I am not proud off it but hear me out..please..”

I take a deep breathe and I nod.

I was FURIOUS THOUGH.

He continues with a sigh – “ anyway so whilst I was in cape Town I was conflicted because I do have a soft corner for you in my heart I was happy for you, but then my mind was telling me that this uber girl you were in love with who lived across the globe was now starting to be a distraction to you maybe, for I obviously couldn’t wait for the time to have you start walking out of major matches and keep asking Cap to cover for you…and so I thought maybe I should meet this girl and talk to her myself because I knew if I spoke to you about this, it would rile you up and you were so deeply in Love, it was starting to blind you…as in that’s what it looked to my mind then, and I thought that maybe at this point in your career, this girl was a distraction…”

I LOOK AT HIM ZAPPED.

WHATTT?

JUST WHAT THE FREAKING HELL DID HE CALL MY SUNSHINE?

A DISTRACTION?

AND I JUST HOPE DESPERATELY THAT HE DIDN’T SAY THIS TO MY SUNSHIE’S FACE!

FOR IT WOULD HAVE KILLED HER TO HEAR MY COACH SAY THIS TO HER – BECAUSE SHE LOVES ME SO DEEP! SHE WOULD HATE TO HEAR THIS..IT WOULD HAVE HURT HER TO EVEN THINK THAT HER PRESENCE IN MY LIFE COULD BE A DISTRACTION FOR ME BECAUSE SHE IS PURE AND SELFLESS IN HER LOVE FOR ME JUST LIKE ME!

I say immediately and curtly – “ Well I am trying to understand where you are coming from Sir but I am sorry to say that there is more to my life than cricket and I am sorry to say this to you but you had absolutely no right to interfere in my personal space ..absolutely none at not even my parents or family does for they trust me..you should have spoken to me and trusted me with your worries rather than thinking of dumping them on my Khushi..and I just hope you didnt say that to her face..it would have killed her instantly..to have you make her think of herself as a distraction to me because she has never been that never...she’s been my Wall,my strength through and through...”

Sir nods and he looks straight at me and I can see the genuineity in them as he says – “ I know that Now son I know that,but at that point in time to my head I had succumbed to worry that led to this, and I am sorry, I apologize to you for steeping over the line..so hear me out please..”

I stay silent.

Staunchly Silent!

He continues anyway – “ Arnav, as the Coach of the Indian cricket team, this is my Life , the game is my life, the teams discipline is what I work for, and breathe each day and at that point in time to my head I was annoyed with you because you were starting to ignore everything with regards to cricket strategy when you are the vice captain of the team…its bloody serious and so in a country where cricket is religion, its our responsibility to stay focused and dedicated and comminted to the game we play..”

And I look at him in disbelief – “ and sir was I not focused or dedicated? Did my performance ever suffer?”

He sighs – “ well not it did not, but to my head it totally felt that it was only a matter of time that it would go down if you continued to get distracted by this girl who lived half across the globe..and start to leave matches for her or missing out on trainings and meetings in between the games to keep flying to her…and because to my head this year was so important to Indja cricket wise it was crucial for us with all these major tournaments too the Natwest tri seriess in England,the asia cup and now this world cup…that was the thought in my head, and in my heart I was conflicted because I do have a soft corner for you, you know that so I just decided that I will just make a call on her number if she picks up then it’s a sign for me to go with my head and if she doesn’t then I just let it be….and coincidentally she turned out to be my Uber driver right at that time in my chain of conflicted thoughts and, so when I called and she picked up because we were at the red light, I was surprised for the coincidence and it felt like I had to go with my head, so I just asked her to park the car on the side and I wanted to have a chat with her, she recognised me ofcourse and she was obviously very shaken and nervous when I told her to join me for the chat..”

HE FREAKING WHATTTTTTTTTTTT?????????

AND MY BRAIN NOW WORKS IN A OVERDRIVE AS THE FIRST PICTURE CLICKS!

IT WAS HIM WHO SAT IN HER UBER THAT DAY SURELY AND NOT DR PRIYA!

AND IT WAS HIM WHO PROBABLY SAID THINGS TO HER THAT TRIGGERED HER PANIC ATTACK THAT SHE HAD CALLED A MASSIVE STORM INTO THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE THAT WORRIED HER THAT OUR SHIP MIGHT GET LOST OR SINK IN THE WHIRLPOOL!

IT WAS SURELY HIM!

I just gape at him in sheer disbelief as I ask him to go on with a silent gesture and he continues – “ and I am ashamed to admit that I was not kind to her, as in I was rude and harsh, and I deeply regret the things I told her that day, I apologised to her after ofcourse and she didn’t even hold a grudge against me, she said she understood where I was coming from..”

MY EARS HAVE FROZEN TO SHOCK AFTER HEARING THAT FIRST BIT AND I ASK IMMEDIATELY , ANGER SURELY REFLECTING IN MY VOICE – “ WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WERE NOT KIND TO HER AS IN YOU WERE RUDE AND HARSH AND THAT YOU SAID THINGS YOU REGRETTED LATER ON…JUST WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HER DAMMIT ????????

RIGHT NOW I DO NOT EVEN WANT TO CALL HIM SIR.

GOD KNOWS WHAT DID HE SAY TO MY SUNSHINE!

TO MY INNOCENT PRECIOUS SUNSHINE!

He sighs now – “ well I was upfront and straightforward, I confronted her and first thing out I told her that I knew she was the one you left those two matches for…and I told her that I was happy for you both and I asked if she was serious about this as in if you asked would she be ready to uproot her entire life from there in Cape Town and be with you and she said yes immediately that yes sir I am very serious about this and I will get around to that its just a matter of time until I finish my second degree..and then I ask her straight if she expected you to keep giving up on your duties towards international cricket and come flying in to see her?and she said that she would never expect that from you because she never wanted to distract you from the games and then I told her straight out that she didn’t want to but that was what maybe what she was at that point in time – a major distraction to you because that’s what Love does after a while, it blinds one and it distracts …”

NOO DAMMIT!

NOOOOO!

YOU CANT HAVE SAID THAT TO MY SUNSHINES FACE!

I KNOW IT MUST HAVE KILLED HER TO HEAR ALL THIS – BECAUSE I KNOW SHE LOVES ME SO MUCH SO PURELY AND TRULY AND SELFLESSLY!

I am zapped and shaken and he continues – “ and then I told her how you missed out on that meeting with the NZ cricket board and now wanted to skip out on all strategy and meetings with the BCCI over Xmas and that BCCI was pissed with you over that email…and she was shocked..and frazzeled and I reckoned you hadn’t told her…….”

WHATTT??

HE SAID THIS TO HER EVEN? HE MADE HER FEEL LIKE A SHIT GUILTY MESS! WHEN SHE FREAKING HAD NO CLUE ABOUT ANY OF THIS EVER!

GODAMMIT!!!!

Any my eyes have welled up with anger and frustration now for I want to punch my coach and I know I cant and so I just stay silent and he knows its his signal to continue – “ and then I asked her if she watched cricket, she said she didn’t and I didn’t let her complete her sentence as I immeadietly looked at her in disbelief as I told her that how do I even explain to you then the importance of the blue jersey or the importance of what Arnav is to Indian cricket right now as in he is the Vice captain, our ace all rounder,and the future captain as In I know it makes you nervous the captaincy but you have the ability to grow into it..and that is why I needed you to get prepped for it and start taking cricketing strategy seriously…”

Well now because my VoiceBox is crashed due to shock and I cannot tell him that I am retiring soon!

I just keep that bit to my head for now and I know Khushi kept my secret too because its on his face , he has no Clue!

GODAMMIT SUNSHINE!

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT SHE MUST HAVE GONE THROUGH!

And he continues – “ and I also told her that its unfair for her to expect for you to do all the flying to her, why couldn’t she sit on a plane to come see you if she loved you so much…”

MY HEART STOPS AT THAT!

HE DIDN’T!

I say immediately – “ do you even know how deeply you hurt the girl I love that day?? Do you even know what you did..”

He sighs – “ I know…I know..and she did tell me she couldn’t fly because she has a phobia and she was crying so furiously by then that it softened me a little and then I told her that it wasn’t fair to your cricketing career right now your situation in your personal space and I also told her that my main worry was this world cup tour to south Africa as in it totally felt like you could keep hopping on and off in between of matches to Cape Town to see her if it went on like that and that would totally mess up the team discipline…”

WHAT??????

JUST WHAT?

WHAT A BLUNDER DID HE DO TOWARDS MY PRECIOUS SUNSHINE THAT DAY!

I WANT TO FREAKING PUNCH HIM!

He continues - “ and then because she didn’t watch cricket I told her that that’s why you do not know the stats Khushi the t20 world cup medal is the only one Arnav didn’t have in his kittyy, you had the rest major of them all, and I told her that she had no idea how important the year 2020 was to Indian cricket and would she want to be a distraction towards you at such a crucial time? Or have the BCCI starting to get mad at you because of her,and change their attitude towards a player whose given so much to the country and worked so hard for Indian cricket for almost a decade as in because to my mind then it felr like you would totally skip in between all those strategies meetings and fly to see her at the drop of a hat and that it was only a matter of time that that continuous physical absence or to and fro happening between two parts of the globe would start affecting your performance and then would she have you face the criticism or scrutiny from the cricketing world or the public that loved you so deeply…”

OH YOU DIDN’T DO THAT!

HOW COULD YOU!!

YOU FREAKING BRITALLY INJURED MY SUNSHINE WITH THOSE WORDS!

AND I AM NEVER GOING TO FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT!

I Look at him in sheer disbelief – “ how could you??? How could you dammit? And you say you have a soft corner for me? No you don’t, you wouldn’t have done this to me otherwise..”

He sighs – “ I understand you are angry , just hear me out, please..and so anyway I just asked her that I do not want to ask you both to end this because I know you love her and it was shining clearly on her face that she loves you deeply...but then I told her dont end this but surelu just put it on hold with you for the next 11 months ...distance herself from you until this world cup was over so that it does not distract you because all till then the schedule was so hectic for cricket from the year start and i told her that do this until the T20 world cup is over because till then because by then she did hint that she would also be ready to make the shift for you after her degree in June a little before so I just said that extend a little bit of those months until this timeline of the world cup, so I asked her to put things on hold with you for 11 months for your very own sake…as in I totally put her in a position that made her feel like that her being with you right now was toxic towards your cricketing career, and I told her that definetly didn’t want you flying to and fro in between of Cape Town..until by the default of this world cup matchess and that I would tell you all about this myself once the world cup was over so if she loved you so deeply I asked her if she could do this for you? For that was the best for your cricketing career that youv worked so hard for for so many years..”

I gape at him in pure anger and disbelief – “ you didn’t..you freaking didn’t do all of this…tell me you didn’t..”,and I get up on reflex and kick the chair I was sitting in in sheer frustration and anger and he continues anyway – “and she said she loves you very much and very deeply and that she would never want any of this to ever happen to you because of her so she said that she will try to put things on hold in between of you both..she was crying furiously by then…”

I rage now in pure anger – “ stopppp…just stop…I cant believe you….how can be so cruel and selfish, such a cruel mind game with the only girl I have ever loved??you made her feel sick that day..like shit sick..i know her in an out.. this surely messed her up beyond it all..do you even know what all of this led to? She freaking got a panic attack that gave her a nose BLEED dammit...do you even know why she doesnt watch cricket or cannot sit on the plane??? Its FREAKING because she lost her entire family in a plane crash while they were coming to watch a cricket match....you shouldn’t have done this..you have no idea what you did to my precious Khushi..that day..”

He sighs and he now gets up – “ I know..i know everything now..she told me bit by bit of it eventually and like I said before I deeply regret what I did and I have apologized to Khushi for this over and over again but you need to focus and listen to this bit now that I am about to tell you..do you know what touched a chord within my heart next, amongst all that mess I made her feel she just asked me for one thing she said Sir I will figure out something to put us on a hold only for Arnavs sake because I love him so much but just incase that makes Arnav mad at me please promise me that you will text me all about your landings and take offs whenever you travel, I just need to always know that he Is safe in whichever part of the world he is..that is all I need to know in order to go on..”

AND THAT FREAKING TOUCHES A NON EXISTENT DEEP CHORD IN MY BEING WITHIN ME IMMEDIATELY TOO!

EVEN AMONGST ALL THAT SHE MUST HAVE FELT IN THAT MOMENT – INSTEAD OF BEING ANGRY AT COACH SIR OR THE SITUATION SHE ASKS HIM THIS!

TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THR KNOWLEDGE OF MY SAFETY!

GODAMMIT!

AND NOW IT ALL STARTS TO CONNECT AGAIN AND I AM NOW A THOUSAND TIMES SURE THAT THIS IS WHAT TRIGGERED THAT PANIC ATTACK THAT MADE HER BREAKDOWN AND EVEN GAVE HER THAT NOSE BLEED BECAUSE SHE WAS OBVIOUSLY CONFLICTED AND TORN IN THIS SITUATION – BECAUSE SHE WAS MADE TO FEEL BY MY COACH THAT SHE NEEDED TO PUT THINGS ON HOLD WITH ME FOR MY SAKE IF SHE LOVED ME AND COULD SHE DO THIS FOR MY SAKE?

WELL I KNOW SUNSHINE I KNOW – THERE ISNT ANYTHING IN THE WORLD YOU WOULDN’T DO FOR ME! AND YOU WERE MADE TO FEEL HORRIBLE BECUASE OF A MIND GAME MY COACH DECIDED TO PLAY WITH YOUR HEAD AND EVEN THOUGH IN YOUR HEAD HE HAD CONVINECED YIU WITH HIS CRUEL WORDS YOUR HEART WAS OBVIOUSLY REVOLTING ON YOU BECAUSE I KNOW WE CANT DO WITHOUT EACH OTHER AT ALL!

IT WOULD HURT US BOTH BRUTALLY!

I am shaken and statued as he continues – “and I left her with that promise that I would, and I have been doing it anyway ever since even though I know that the two of you are together anyway..”,and he now flips out his phone and shows me the text window with Khushi and I see a string off his messages to Khushi every take off and every landing and after every message of his is a text reply from Khushi stating : thank you so much sir(a smiley)Arnav Messaged too!i hope you had a relaxing flight too sir!May the Bat Always be Held High(and the Namaste emoticon)

Every take Off and LLanding message of Ours from coach – this was what she replied with!

And I just hold his phone and I look at Khushi’s responses to him and I am moved as he now picks up the chair I kicked and gestures me to sit back in it and I do and he says softly now – “and hours later when I was sitting at the airport feeling guilty because her crying face wouldn’t leave my head and I was wondering if I did the right thing or not, I get a call from her and she says – sir I cant do this to Arnav, I cant push him away it will kill us both I love him way too much, and why must the world look at the love as only a distraction, I promise you sir I can steer this around positively as in all you want is that Arnav does not come to Cape town until by default of the world cup matches, I promise you that I will convince him with Love sir , why must I use any hurt or hate when I can use Love sir, I will still be together with him as in you don’t have any problem with our virtual connection right , you just want his physical presence in terms of cricket , and I promise you that, and sir I will not be a distraction to him but I will channel this positively and I will think of what to say to him from my endas in I have a thought of something that I can say to him by twisting this around to myself as in I will never tell him that you came to find me and all the talks that happened in between of us, because sir I understand where you are coming from but why do you want to use Arnav’s emotions against him like as if he is a pawn in a chess game this is very unfair to him, he does not deserve that and I know him in and out and I feel if I push him away it will hurt us both and it will impact his game negatively and when he comes to know the truth 11 months later he might just start feeling hate for the game he so deeply loves, and I would never want that to happen to him…I will handle it , please trust me…” ,and he pauses and he now continues with a fond smile – “ And that was when I first understood that this girl was a blessing for you Arnav, it was my bad to judge your relationship with her as a distraction and I told her that immediately on the phone that she saved me from doing a big blunder and she was all gracious about it as she said she would always want the best for you and will do just about anything for you , but with love..not hurt..and look at how positively she steered the situation as in all that happiness in your personal space has truly done wonders to your game and I deeply apologize to you for misunderstanding the situation at the first judgement of error…and to be honest when I hung up the phone with her before coming back to india I was very happy in my heart that she didn’t give up even though I stormed her head and heart with my words that day..i apologize again ASR …”

I AM STUMPED SPEECHLESS!

I AM OVERWHELMED TO A LEVEL I CANT EXPLAIN!

THIS WAS ALL FOR ME!

FOR

ME!

And he continues – “and ever since then I have been In touch with her on texts for the take offs and landings and on two calls too as in she made one to me as she asked me for permission to come see you in Johannesburg for those six hours as she felt it would make you very happy and it will impact you positively right before the world cup begins and that she didn’t want to do it behind my back even though she could but that would be disrespectful to the promise she made to me for your sake..so..and I by now have obviously understood that Khushi can never be a distraction to you Arnav, or your weakness, she is your strength, and after listening to you talk with so much conviction of your love for her in the media all these months its truly strengthened my belief that you two are made for each other, and so I obviously told her that I would be happy for you two to meet before the start of the world Cup..and I was right...wasnt I? Because you have been bloody brilliant...” and he pauses for a second taking a deep breathe and he continued – “but you know it was the call she made to me a couple of days ago on Monday that shook me the most as in she called me crying and she asked me if she could see you for just one hour because some mistake had happened on her behalf and now after all these months I have developed a soft corner for her and I asked her to talk to me and once she told me what it was I immediately told her to see you and not worry about it because by now I know that she is exactly what you need in your Life son and so is the same for her...she needs you as much and then on e she was happy about that and thanked me a million times over for that i also asked her because I was curious that what exactly did she say to you convince you for not meeting in real time for all these months, I mean she always told me that she did handle it her way but she never told me what exactly and then she told me how she twisted this about herself because she felt that you would also agree to do anything for her just like she would do anything for you and she used Dr Priya's reference and her working on her fear and phobias as the main reason to be told to you as in she said that she was channelizing all that pain of not seeing you into helping it heal herself with the power of the love she feels for you and then she said it was also partly true because she was working on it anyway and then she told me all about how the love she felt for you helped her let go off things in her life like that were chaining her to grief, her fathers restaurant, then how hit wicket your tongue happened, or how she was now ready to sit on a plane too for you….but I wanted you to know from me Arnav because I know Khushi would never tell you this because she loves you but you have to know that the reason why she kept away from seeing you for all these months, the main core reason behind it all was Me…I asked this off her and she did it because she loves you more than anything in the world, that she never wanted to become a distraction but your strength and she still often tells me that there isn’t anything in the world she wouldn’t do for you, with for you always with Love and positivity…”

I AM STILL STUMPED SPEECHLESS TO THE EDGE OF PLANET KRYPTON GUYS

WHAT CAN I SAY TO THAT????

JUST WHAT CAN I SAY TO THAT????????????

Dammit SUNSHINE!

GODAAMIT SUNSHINE!

Coach sir continues softly – “ and then ever since I had that talk with her and I know all that shes done for you and all that youv done for her as in agreeing to not meeting her in real time because you love her as deeply too and you knew this was important to her because she needed this to help fight her fears and phobias and then how you have so much conviction in your love and so does she, for a second I was thinking, that this was pure true love from both your ends, selfless, empowering and pure and I was ashamed in my head to even look at something so pure and powerful in a negative way and that was when I had a deep realisation in a moment of time as in a lesson I learnt from Khushi – that no matter how challenging a situation is, why must anyone use hurt, hate or any negative critic emotion when one could use love and positivity and inner strength to channelise energies into positive experiences with everyone around you…shes a priceless treasure ASR, your Khushi in its truest sense, and I want you to promise me today that you will never let go of her hand because the things shes done for you son on her emotional level , are beyond imaginable…for it’s a stark but a unfortunate truth that only I know what I made her go through in that moment of time and yet she never holds a grudge against me , its unique ASR, this purity, this innocence ..this power of her love for you..it is unique…”

I LOOK AT COACH TOTALLY GOBSMACKED!

I AM MAD AT HIM STILL BUT RIGHT NOW I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO HIM YET.

I WAS MAD AT HIM STILL SURELY BUT NOW ALL THAT ANGER I WAS FEELING WITHIN WAS BEING WASHED AWAY UNDER ALL THE LOVE THAT WAS OVERWHELMING MY BEING AS I REALISE THE DEPTH OF KHUSHI’S LOVE FOR ME!

MY SUNSHINE!

GODAAMIT!

EVEN AFTER ALL THIS SHE CHANNELISED EVERYTHING SO POSITIVELY FOR ME, FOR MY GAME OF CRICKET, SHE LET GO OF HER DREAM OF HER DADDYS RESTURANT,SHE CONCEPTUALISED HIT WICKET YOUR TONGUE, SHE STARTED WATCHING MATCHES FOR ME AND WAS ALSO ALWAYS TOTALLY WAS WITH ME IN MY HEART AND SOUL ALL THE TIME THROUGH OUR VIRTUAL CONNECTION AND YET KEPT HER PART OF PROMISE TO COACH BECAUSE SHE FELT IT IN HER HEAD THAT THIS WAS FOR MY SAKE – FOR MY LOVE FOR CRICKET AS WELL – BECAUSE SHE ALSO KNEW IN HER HEART THAT I WOULD NEVER LET HER QUIT ON HER DEGREE MID WAY OR HER LIFE HERE UNTIL JUNE ANYWAY BEACAUSE THAT WAS HER LATE FATHERS ONLY PENDING DREAM THAT COULD ATLEAST BE FULFILLED – ESPECIALLY AFTER THE LOSS OF HER DADDYS RESTURANT!

AND SHE MUST HAVE TOTALLY FELT IN THAT MOMENT THAT ALL THIS DIFFERENCE THAT EXISTED IN REALITY IN BETWEEN OF US WAS BECAUSE WE WERE THOSE TWO DIFFERENCE OCEANS LIVING IN TWO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE GLOBE AND THAT IS WHY WE NEEDED TO BEND TIME IN OUR FAVOUR UNTIL OUR LIVES REACHED TO A POINT THAT WE COULD MERGE IN SMOOTHLY NEITHER OF US FEELING THAT THEY HAD TO HAVE THE OTHER GIVE UP ON ANY OTHER IMPORTANT ELEMENTS THAT HELD SIGNIFICSNCE TO OUR HEADS BEFORE WE MET EACH OTHER! AND THEN SHE STEERED AROUND OUR SHIPS SAILS AND MADE US WADE THROUGH THIS STORM WITH LOVE AND SINCERITY AND PATIENCE IN A WAY THAT IT ONLY INCEREASED THE LOVE WE FELT FOR EACH OTHER IN THE MEANWHILE!

I KNOW HER IN AND OUT GUYS!

I CAN IMAGINE CLEARLY EVERY THKUGHT SHE MUST HAVE PROCESSED IN HER HEAD AND HEART TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

AND I KNOW WHY SHE KEPT THIS PROMISE SO STRICTLY BECAUSE SHE KNOWS I PLAN TO RETIRE SOON!

SHE KNEW THIS WAS MY LAST STRECH IN MY CRICKTING CAREER AND SHE KNEW I ALWAYS WANTED TO END WITH A BANG – AND MAYBE TOO HER HEAD SHE DID FEEL THAT HER BEING THAT FAR IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD AND ME COMING IN TO SEE HER OFTEN WOULDNT BE LOOKED UPON WELL IN MY GURU'S EYES AND THAT IS WHY SHE DECIDED FOR US TO NOT MEET IN REAL TIME UNTIO NOW!

BUT

JUST FOR ME – SHE HAD FACED THE CRUEL MINDGAME FROM MY COACH AND YET TURNED IT INTO SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL FOR US BOTH IN THE MEANWHILE!

AND THE COURAGE AND THE STRENGTH THAT SHE MUST HAVE CHANNELISED FOR THIS!

GOSHHHHHH!

AND NOW AS ALL THE DOTS And Her cryptic words in subtle deep messages about how she would do just about anything for me now start to have a different meaning and they START TO CLICK AGAIN IN MY HEAD MY HEART AND SOUL in A way that is extremely Powerful – ALL OF MY BEING IS FREAKING OVERWHELEMED.

GOD!

SUNSHINEEE!

I LOVE YOU!

I LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH!

And I don’t let the anger or frustration towards Coach Sir derail my head right now for it feels like it would totally disrespect all that My Sunshine has done for me!

I had to find the positivity and not the negativity in the situation.

Like she always said – for you my DUMBLEDORE for you I shall always turn on the light no matter how dark the room is!

Yes – just like that!

I was totally powered into doing just that just for her!

And I look at Coach Sir.

And he knows!

Its on his face!

And I look at coach now and I fold my hands and I ask – “ and you tell me this now because you know its going to overwhelm me and…”

He gives me a small smile now – “ and because I know Khushi’s love is deep in you too I know this will make you channelise all your energies in a powerful way, because now you know what the love of your life has done for you in a behind the scenes kind of moment in the hope and prayer that you collect every major medal in your cricketing career this year…and just like Khushi taught me I have learnt to use my players emotions for them in their favour postively rather than pitch out against emotions and weaknesses and just focus on finding solutions with a positive attitude and focus on strengths and channelise all that positive power of the heart and mind..and so I know this was the right time for you to know this…. for you will now step on the field with a emotion that is way too powerful than any hurt or hate or negativity that you might be feeling for me right now , because Love and positivity has a power to overtake if we let our mind focus on just that..it totally works wonders ..I have seen it in the two of your case as in both your and Khushi's ,and so i think it was about time you know that this life lesson is taught to me by your Khushi just by being who she is son..selfless,pure,innocent and loving and in my eyes she is your like your very own angel here in the reality of your Life..”

I don’t know how though but amongst all that I just heard ..I am highly amused now by Coach’s positive mindgame with me right now and I look at him – “still playing mind games Coach..still playing mind games…”

He gives me a little smile – “ but with Love and positivity ASR..theres a strong difference…”

I nod in silence.

And right then he says softly – “ that girl is pure gem I have said it before and I will say it again..and do you know what other thing she asked off me??a while ago once we went into the Semi’s??”

I look at him puzzled and zapped – “ theres more??”

He smiles – “ well it’s a surprise she was planning for you but I think knowing about her this surprise now will do you more good now and it will not be a distraction but a further power push to you and that is – she asked me that if I would be ok with having her come see you play live ..as in she wanted to come and see the final match Live here at the Wanders incase we made it to the finals…but that she would only surprise you with that knowledge after the game was over…because she told me that she did not want her presence in the stands to serve as a distraction to you in a bit, but I realise now that everything about the way the two of you love each other is a empowering push that makes each of you fly higher, it could never be a distraction..so that is why I am telling you this now as well..”

MY EYES WIDEN TO CUPS AND SAUCERS.

AND MY HEART STOPS BEATING!

Coach grins now as he chuckles at my stumped expression – “ and she called me the minute she was off the bus that she was now on her way to the stadium, she is here in the stands with her friends watching you play this final Live…she is here ASR, Khushi is here, in the stands, shes watching you play Live…”

AND MY HEART RESTARTS ITS BEATS AND THEN STOPS AGAIN AND THEN STARTS AGAIN AND THEN STOPS AGAIN.

AND THEN STARTS AGAIN!

KHUSHI WAS HERE IN THE STANDS WATCHING ME PLAY LIVE???

SHE STEPPED INTO THE WANDER’S STADIUM FOR ME???????????????????????

I KNOW WHAT THIS MEANT TO HER FOR THIS VERY STADIUM WAS WHERE HER FAMILY WAS COMING TO ON THAT FATEFUL DAY WHEN THEY WERE KILLED IN THE CRASH.

WHATTTTT???????????

JUST GODAMMITT WHATTTTT??????????????

AND ALL BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME THE WAY YOU DO SUNSHINE!

GODAMMIT!

I JUST CANT BELEIVE THE THINGS YOU’V DONE FOR ME ALL BECAUSE OF THE WAY YOU LOVE ME SUNSHINE – AND RIGHT NOW IT TOTALLY MAKES ME FEEL LIKE THAT THE VERY WORD ‘LOVE’ FALLS SHORT TO EXPLAIN WHAT YOU FEEL FOR ME!

OR WHAT I AM FEELING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW FOR THAT MATTER!

YEAH RIGHT – TOTALLY!

THE WORD LOVE DOES NOT SUFFICE FOR US ANYMORE!

I NEED TO ASK MY SUNSHINE TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING ELSE FOR US!

Coach walks up to me as he keeps a hand on my shoulder – “ iv had a chat with you for 30 minutes now ASR, and now I will leave you for a bit to recollect all that I told you…just give it your best like you always do and it will be a good final second innings anyway ASR…and my intuition tells me that the rain would be over by now and the final will be played today itself and not go into the reserve day surely…and I know you will forgive me for what I did but I understand that you will need time and I am ok for that I am just glad that Khushi saved me from committing a big blunder at the nick of time..I am sorry once again and know that I am truly happy for you in my heart and head today..”

I nod at him silently.

And before he is about to walk out, I see Cap walk in as he says – “ the rains stopped, the super sloppers are at work and I think we should be good to start play in 40 or max 45 minutes maximum..and it will be in the well within the 75 minute mark so we will not loose overs…”

Cap looks at me and he asks – “ASR you ok??”

I nod and I say – “ yes cap but we still have around 40 minutes until play begins and I need to do something before that for myself as in its do or die for me so even though I know its against the rules I need to have someone I know come in and meet me in here, in private for 30 minutes..alone please help me make sure I get the privacy I need..”

Cap looks at me surprised– “ whoo do you want to meet at this time ASR??right before the second innings in the world cup final???”

I say immediately – “ cap just trust me on this I need this, and its an acquanintance of mine, and I am assuming that he is in the stands, so I need to check, just in case he is, I will call him here, allow me this levy please..”

Coach looks at Cap and he nods and Cap smiles at me for I know he knows me well I wouldnt ask this off him if it wasnt important to me and he says – “well I know you will tell me what this is about later,and that look on your face tells me that you need to do this before you step out on the field today and maybe its luck we do have about 45 minutes…fine ASR…just let me know and I shall have a member from our technical support team lead this person in to you..”

Coach gives me a soft smile as he mouths a – I am sorry- again to me and he makes his way out and I just nod back at him politely!

And I close my eyes as I sit back in my Chair, still dazed a little!

And I recall everything Coach had just told me and now Because Like My Need to Fit in A Puzzle Picture intact as ever..since as I was a child - I need to find that last major picture piece of this puzzle being – what exactly did my Sunshine go through on that day after she reached the Mixer!

I just have to complete this puzzle in my head before I step out to play in order to get that Hitch out! I need to know what exactly she felt in those vulnerable moments of time that she might have told me anyway with a twist but I need to look it that piece of knowledge as it was truly!

And So.

I message the one person I know who will tell everything out to me clearly without hesitance , the one person who knows it all and has seen it, the one person whose contact details I have saved into my phone just four days ago – the one person who will answer my every question about that twisted day of 15th December from last year – because I am sure he would remember every bit of it clearly because those were the moments he fell in Love with My Sunshine!

And so I take my Chances and I pick out my phone and I text – Asher Khan!

SORRY SUNSHINE –I AM BREAKING A PROMISE TO YOU ABOUT THIS BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH THAT DAY TRULY STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTH OF SOMEONE WHO SAW IT – BECAUSE I NEED TO GET THIS ITCH OUT OF MY HEAD LIKE NOW.

AND THAT IS WHY

I needed to talk to this Tricky Bouncer now!

RIGHT VERY NOW!

But Dont worry Sunshine I will ask him to guard our secret until I meet you and the rest of your near and dear ones after the Game!

And maybe – It is Destined and Fated to be this Way and Maybe Fair too that- for the gentleman that he was and how he also truly loved my Sunshine that – Asher Khan was probably the first one from MY Sunshine’s side of the world who was destined to know the Identity of Khushi's – HOODIE Guy!

……………………………………

Meanwhile Simultaneously

Asher and Zain had stepped into the VIP box for a bit to catch up with some professional colleagues amongst the pause in the game due to the unexpected Rain!

But well it was the Final – so everyone knew that all efforts would be made sure that the game was played today anyway and only go to the Resrve day if there was no other choice left!

But luckily the medium rain shower had only lasted for 30 minutes and now the ground staff was at work in full swing and so were the super sloppers to get the field ready just in time for the match to begin with India playing the full second innings with 20 overs – in the next 40 -45 minutes!

And everyone was beyond excited becuase they knew it was going to be One Amazing Chase for that Cup!

And Asher was just listening to Zain and the rest of his colleagues talk about the same right when his phone beeps in his pocket.

He opened it and he was surprised to see a message from an indian number he did not recognise on whtsapp asking him  : Asher, are you watching the Ind vs Australia finals at the Wanders Stadium Live?

And the display picture of this person had a picture of ASR and Cap - a cricketing fan surely this person is!but why Message him?and how did he even get  his personal contact number?

Asher was surprised though but because curiosity got the better of him,he quickly replied : yes I am.Who is this?

His phone beeps in a second : Great then! This is Arnav Singh Raizada.And I need to speak to you immediately now in privacy and do not tell anyone around you about this text of mine yet! I request you to do as I ask,please come to the players area right below the Second Vip Box and I have a technical team support waiting there for you,tell them your name and they will guide you to the where I am waiting to speak to you!

Asher is obviously shocked and surprised to read this text!

Why was the Vice Captain of the Indian Cricket team wanting to speak to him as Indian team waited for the ground to get ready to play the most crucial innings of the year in the WORLD CUP final!

STRANGE AND WEIRD!

BUT BECAUSE INQUSITIVENESS GOT THE BETTER OF HIM he quickly replied : ok ASR this is strange! But I will be there in two minutes because I was in the VIP box anyway due to the pause with the rain.

AND

HE INSTANTLY EXCUSED HIMSELF AND GESTURED TO ZAIN THAT HE WOULD BE BACK SOON AS HE HAD TO MAKE A CALL AND HE MADE HIS WAY OUT OF THE VIP BOX AND NOW DOWN THE STAIRS IMMMEDIATELY.

And just as he reaches the landing and walks towards the heavily security guarded players section , he saw a technical team support member get off his phone as he looked at him and asked – “ Asher Khan?”

Asher nods and now the technical team support leads him and Asher is all puzzled and confused as he wonders what this is about?

And he now crosses the dug outs where both the Indian team players and the Australian team players are sitting and chatting up amongst themselves and some were examining the ground from the side as the ground staff worked tirelessly.

And he was pleasantly shocked and surprised when No one Stopped him at all or questioned his presence in this exclusive space reserved just for the players and was even more shocked when he saw the Indian Coach and Captain give him a small nod as the Indian Skipper looked at him and then just silently gestured him to get in the locker room.

And now Asher was even more shell shocked and surprised because this was against the rules totally as in no one apart from the team players and coaches and support team who worked officially for the teams were ever allowed in the locker rooms.

But now Asher just nodded with a puzzled smile at the Indian Skipper who gave him another nod and then returned to a deep conversation with the INDIAN coach and followed the technical team support member right in the locker room and he was led to another private space where he came face to face with the Indian VICE captain – Arnav Singh Raizada sitting in a chair all padded up for the innings and deep in thought.

And Asher was stumped a little though for when he had met Arnav in that chance encounter in the hotels business center that was a normal chanced moment and this right now was totally a planned one and maybe it was also the time and situation that stumped him for he was looking at one of his favourites cricket players all padded and ready to play the most crucial innings for India at the moment and just the whole affect of the moment was like a crazy lucky fan encounter off the back of his head and right then ASR got distracted from his deep chain of thought and he took in Ashers presence and he now gets up from his seat as he gives Asher a polite smile and walks up to him and offers his hand for a shake which Asher imemdiately takes in for a shake puzzled and Arnav says with another polite smile- “ thank you for coming Asher..” ,and Arnav looks to his support team staff and gives him a pat on a arm – “ thank you Tarun..”

Tarun grins – “ anytime ASR and I shall now leave you two alone The game should be good to begin in another 35 minutes maybe..”

Arnav Nods and Tarun leaves.

Asher now looks at Arnav totally puzzled as he says with a smile – “ well this is a crazy fan moment come true for any fan no matter what the age...and I am absolutely thrilled to be in the locker room of the Indian cricket team in the finals of the world cup..but I am very inquisitive to know the reason why have I been given this levy because this is against the rules..I know it is...”

Arnav chuckles now and he gestures Asher to sit opposite him in a chair and he does and Arnav takes a seat opposite his in the chair and Arnav says with a warm smile - “yes it is against the rules of course but I had Coach and Cap give me a little levy today for it is important for me to talk to you right now before I set a foot out on the ground to play the rest of the innings and they do understand the importance of the moment, Cap and Coach do want me to fire today you know with a score as daunting as that to chase in a World Cup final and it’s kind off Coach Sir's doing anyway that led me to do this so yes they understand.. “

Asher looks at the Indian Vice Captains calm and smiling face and he is zapped and shocked and dazed and he asks now with genuine confusion – “ what must you want to talk to me that is so important ASR? As in we did meet earlier in the hotel and you did tell me that you would help me surprise my friends but I am obviously sure that you havent called me here to talk about that right in the middle of the World Cup final..”

Arnav nods as he says looking at Asher – “ ofcourse this isnt about that at all..”

Asher is still puzzled as he asks – “ what is it then?”

And Arnav knew he had to talk now because he had limited time until the game began and so he takes a deep breathe as he finally says – “ well I need you to know that when I met you at the hotel the other day and you told me your name and we shook hands and I told you that I know who you are because of the article in the papers..well it kind of wasnt true as in...Iv known you for a long time now through all that iv heard about you..and Zain and Zara too for that matter.. .”

Asher gasped at him in surprise as he heard the Indian Vice Captain that they all adored take Zain and Zara's name – “ huh? What do you mean??and how do you know me, Zara or Zain..??”

Arnav takes a deep breathe as he says- “ and to be honest we have spoken once over the phone too many many months ago..”

Asher looks at The Indian Vice captain totally zapped and confused the hell out of his head as he asks – “ excuse me???I dont understand.. you are saying that youv heard about me,Zara and Zain and wev even spoke once over the phone once???how??? Hows this even possible??”

Arnav now takes a deep breathe as he looks at Asher straight and he says – “ Hoodie guy...I know because I am Hoodie guy...Khushi's Hoodie guy...” ,and he sees Ashers expression freeze to a shock and daze as realisation flicks in his eyes instantly because Arnav had used the code word Hoodie Guy, and Arnav continues – “and the girl whose identity the world and all of you have been wondering about the one all this while...the girl I am deeply in love with ,the one I cant do without,my mysterious Wifi, ...is none other than Khushi...so I think i wanted to tell you now that the love for cricket isnt the only thing we both share Asher for you also happen to love the only One who is More Precious to me than my very own Life..and that is Khushi.....she is My mysterious Wifi Connection, and i obviouusly Love her more than anything in the world..”

Asher is shocked and dazed to another level as Khushi's words now start to ring in his ears about how she always said that Her Hoodie Guy belonged to a Different world..and everything that he had now heard from her over the months now starts to connect into dots – My Hoodie Guy is in a very challenging job guys, he travels.all over the world, this years assignments are most crucial to him, it’s like we belong to different worlds but when we met the connection was so instant – I always knew it was going to be long distance from the start – and Asher now recalls every bit of it and he looks at Arnav shocked unable to say a word at this revelation and he sees Arnav Take deep Breathe as he finally says – “ I know this is a shock for you Asher...but I need to talk this quickly, so I just had my coach tell me as the rain began that paused play that he found Khushi on the 15th of December last year and he spoke to her and totally put her in a position that made her feel like that she would now serve as a distraction to my roaring cricketing career at this point because he was pissed with me because I walked out on two matches to come see Khushi...one was when she had that migraine episode and that was when we got on the phone while she was in the MRI and the second was when I surprised her at her bday...well I already know everything that Coach said to her from his mouth but I need to know exactly what happened with My Sunshine that day before I step out on the field to play,I need the full picture as in the true picture to this puzzle in my head as in even though Khushi told me everything she twisted it to make this about herself because she knows there isnt anything in the world I wouldn’t do for her...and so she totally made it seem to me that she needed us to be apart in real time for these 11 months until the end of this world cup because she needed to use all that time and love she feels for me as a way of healing herself in terms of her fears and Phobia’s with regards to cricket or anxieties regarding sitting on the plane,and I know that’s what she’s done all these months too anyway with conceptualizing hit WICKET your tongue etc,watching the games on TV, wearing my jersey to work everyday or just turn into a crazy cricketing fan all for me s or for that matter even stepping into the Wanders to watch me play live..even though I know how difficult it must have been for her...for I know this was where her family was headed when they passed in the crash..and ever since I come to know that the core reason for doing all this from her end was for my sake, I need to know..fast..and I know you.will tell me the truth of what happened that day because you would remember starkly what happened in Zain’s cabin that day for that was the day you realised you love her too..”

Asher finally instructs himself to get out of the shock he has frozen in and he is still dazed looking at Arnav – the vice captain of the India cricket team as Khushi's Hoodie Guy and he starts to recall everything hes heard from Khushi and then from ASR on TV about his Wifi he was absolutely stumped to know that HOODIE GUY WAS ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA THE VICE CAPTAIN OF THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM WHO IS DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH HIS WIFI AS THE WORLD ALREADY KNOWS AND THAT THIS WIFI WAS NONE OTHER THAN KHUSHI.

HE WAS STUMPED.

BUT HE WAS ALSO VERY HAPPYYYYY!

And he now looks at Arnav as he says – “ and you know this that ,that was the day I realised I love Khushi was because you heard me talking this with Zain the other day..ofcourse?”

Arnav – “ well no I know because Khushi sensed it then and there and she told me about it..as in she said you said something you only would have in order to give her a suggestion to help her out that ordeal only because you felt something deep surely for her ..”

Now Asher was surprised as he asked – “ really? She realised it then itself..I mean i always knew she had a hunch over how i felt because she always kept a courteous distance from me because of the same..but i thought she realised it over time..maybe..”

AND Asher now takes a deep breathe as he says – “ well i can show you what happened that day as in because it was in Zains office everything that happens gets recorded and only Zain has the access to my camera feed footage from my cabin and vice versa so if you want to see..I can..show you because I anyway saved those two recordings in my phone because on the first day after khushi left crying I felt that I need to have the recording in order to hold onto it so that I could use it later to clear the misunderstanding that would have brimmed up between the two of you for a while because of my suggestion..and well the second day recording I just kept it because she was back in the office and was so happy and thrilled as she told us that she figured out the perfect solution for the tricky situation she faced that gave her that panic attack..and I just held onto it because she was so happy until the news of the resturant burning down came..I didn’t delete it though even after all these months even though I know everything’s smooth between Khushi and her Hoodie Guy because..”,and he pauses now and Arnav looks at him as he says – “ because you love her..I know and I am sorry for you to be caught up in this situation in between of us..i truly am..”

Asher takes a deep breathe as he admits with a little smile – “ well I am very happy to know that you are her Hoodie Guy AsR truly happy for you both, because I have absolutely no doubt about your intentions,the world knows how you feel about your Wifi..so...but I want to tell you this you might want to smash me with your bat once you listen to the suggestion I gave Khushi in that moment of time..but to my defense she was in such a bad state, I said what came off the back of head on reflex immediately..”

Arnav looks at him as he takes a deep breathe – “ why dont you show this to me fast and tell ms from the start because I know you found her all zapped and shocked and shaken at the bar and stopped her from downing down those Tequila shots...”

Asher nods and he immediately takes out his phone and he opens the recording of the video from the 15th of December from Zains cabin and he speaks – “ so before you see this you should know that she was in a terrible state when she came in at the Mixer and it was heart wrenching..”, Asher now starts to tell Arnav about everything that had happened that day and how Zara and Zain and Asher tried to get Khushi to open to them as she just cried and cried helplessly in Zaras arms just saying that my Hoodie guy would never to anything to hurt me it’s me whose going to have to hurt him for his good..and he sees Arnavs face twitch in pain as he hears the initial bit of it all until they got to Zains cabin that day and then Asher played the video for Arnav to see and Arnav watched in gut wrenching pain as he saw with his very own eyes what Khushi exactly went through that day in the panic attack and how she then worded everything to Asher,zara and Zain cryptically not revealing who he was too and then how she was so conflicted as she fought her turmoil by the fact that any of this was going to kill her anyway if she chose to push him away or what would she tell him to make that happen and how would she live without him for 11 months when she couldnt even go on without him for an hour and then how she hurt herself with that glass breaking in her hand and how Zara,asher and Zain helped her through it , he saw all of that and Arnavs heart and soul twitches in pain and just as he heard Ashers suggestion now in the video – Arnavs blood boiled and he paused on it immediately as he looked at Asher and he said honestly – “ I do want to tell you this that I am very glad that Khushi didnt go with your stupid suggestion and using that to create a misunderstanding in my head as a mistake on her part that would make me angry at her for...to be honest to you I might not have been that mad at my Sunshine because i would have totally blamed it as a purposeful move on your behalf to create a rift in between of me and her because I knew very well as in I had sensed from the very start that you felt something for her and I would have forgiven My Sunshine for this anyway becuase I know she is pure and and true in her love for me maybe yes eventually it would have taken me time too come around in terms of getting that image out of my head of you even touching my Sunshine or even the fact that you kissed her in a vulnerable state when she was drunk and I am so glad today that my Sunshine didnt use hurt to push me away instead she used Love..and moreso why Asher why I am glad that khushi didnt go with your suggestion is because I would have hounded you down and beaten the hell out of you if Khushi even told me that you kissed her in a drunken state..I would have beaten you black and blue..I would have totally unleashed massive wrath on you...”

Asher looks at him a little embarrassed but he states honestly- “ I know...and that’s what Khushi said so too she said you dont know my Hoodie guy why do you want to look like the bad one in there for you dont know what he will do to you if he ever sees you..cmon play the rest of the video and see it..”

Arnav nods and he plays the rest of the video and his heart swells as he hears and sees the rest of how Khushi responds to Asher snd then how she says that she would only use that as a last resort If nothing else worked in order to tackle the situation because she was crazily very shaken at being made to feel like a potential distraction towards Arnavs career due to his Coachs mindgame and how she had to still find a solution because she couldnt be selfish as in she couldnt have her Hoodie guy give up on all that hes worked for a decade only because he loved her and she feared that if she ever told this to him he would probably just quit his job altogether and get into a major row with his Guru.

Arnav takes a deep breathe – well Khushi was right about that!

If he knew about this then – god only knows what row he would have gotten in with his Coach!And probably just quit cricket anyway because he was going to retire soon anyway but Khushi now had the knowledge from Coach that the only medal he didnt have was this t20 world cup medal in his kitty and that is why she was so shaken because in her heart because of the way she loved him she always wanted the best for him,she wanted him to end with a bang too!just like how He always wants the best for her!

And then he asks Asher to show him the next days recording and he does and his heart swells in Happiness as he sees His Khushi jumping up and down in Happiness and in pure glee as she told Asher,Zain and Zara that she found a very positive solution ,that she turned on the light for him even in the darkest of the times because she knew if she twisted this to herself her Hoodie guy would instantly agree to do just about so anything for her too.And he saw all of that and then also the part until the call came and she slumped down to the floor dazed and shaken again – and Arnav now understands automatically that this was the call about the fire accident in her daddys RESTURANT.

Arnav hands Asher his phone back to Asher and he now puts his face into his hands for a couple of minutes as he keeps brushing his hands over his face as he recalls everything that had happened after this moment in time as told to him By Khushi on his bday!And just like that final click of the piece of the jigsaw puzzle he needed to complete – the picture in his Head was now Complete and now he was working on Composing and recollecting himself over everything he feels after seeing this complete picture a picture that tells him that the word Love indeed falls way too short to explain or even depict the intensity of what Khushi felt for him or what he was feeling for her in that moment.

Asher watches Arnav just bury his face in his hands for a bit and he is sure that Arnav is recollecting and composing the onslaught of emotions in his being after seeing what he just saw!

And he does not know what to say so he just stays Silent too.But he didnt know how was this man going to play after this onslaught of emotions as in the game was about to begin in ten minutes now.

And right then Arnav finally looks up at Asher and Asher is pleasantly surprised to see a determined look in his eyes a look so determined and focussed that spoke volumes of the Vice Captain’s inner grit and strength and Arnav spoke – “ thank you for seeing me Asher snd thank you for showing me this because now the picture in my head is complete...a complete snapshot realisation of a picture that tells me that even the word Love falls short to depict the intensity of what Khushi feels for me and what I feel for her , do you know why do I use the word Sunshine for her? Because that’s who she is to me the Sun of my life ,and she smiles and the Sun shines for me,she’s my Magic too..”

Asher nods as he admits – “ khushi often tells that to us all that my Hoodie guy is my magic guys..so I understand..”

Arnav – “ I apologise for the other day at the hotel but I couldnt tell you who I was then because we made a promise to each other that we would only talk about it by her bday as in I thought I was holding onto that promise for her sake and today I get to know that this all started as something done out of pure and selfless act of love initiated by my Sunshine for my sake..”

Asher smiles now – “ and I am absolutely thrilled to know that you are her Hoodir guy for I know you will keep her happy all her life..”

Arnav – “ always...”,and he looks at Asher as he says – “ I am sorry for this to have happened to you Asher..you will be ok wont you?

Asher smiles now – “ ofcourse I will be ok you did hear me tell Zain the other day didnt you that maybe all I needed to kickstart things for myself again was to see Khushi with her Hoodie Guy..and know that she is Happy..well you do know I love her but it isnt about that.. its about where Khushi's happiness lies and it’s clearly You..its always been You..Always..Khushi is Yours Arnav..she is yours..”

Arnav smiles now – “ She is mine just like I am hers..” ,and he pauses as he says – “ please dont tell anyone about this yet, I will be meeting everyone with my family tomorrow anyway...so if you can keep this secret safe for a bit..and I will talk to Khushi about this myself later on in the night...”

Asher smiles – “ totally your secret is safe with me..”

Arnav grins now as he gets up and offers a hand for a shake to Asher and Asher shakes his hand happily and Arnav says instantly – “ thank you Asher you are a good man and maybe that is why it was destined for you to be the first one to know about us,for the gentleman you are..I know its twisted..but I am sorry I just dont know what else to say to you Asher..”

Asher smiles at him warmly and admits honestly – “ dont be sorry for I am not sorry about feeling what I felt as in I knew from day one that there was no chance but I felt what I felt what I felt anyway..”

Arnav nods with a smile – “ well I know my Sunshine is so priceless and precious and know that I would have totally fallen in love with her anyway too even if I knew there was someone else in her life..but I am just the luckier one to have her love me back in the way she does..”

Asher grins – “ oh yesss that you are ASR..the lucky one..its just my tough luck..”,he finishes with a lighthearted wink.

Arnav chuckles now and a second later he says sincerly– “ sorry about that Asher...”,and he gestures to Asher to start walking out with him now and just as they do Tarun from the support team comes in as he says – “ Caps calling you now.. three minutes until you need to step out on the field ASR..”

Arnav now nods and Asher grins at him – “ rooting for you to win this cup now more than ever now and we are all in the first floor balcony stand at the west end of the stadium..and Khushi is wearing your Jersey as usual and I don’t even think I can begin to explain the glee she jumped up in at the wicket maiden over of yours or those excellent catches you took...and now that i know the reason behind all of her actions and emotions over all this time I am really happy in my heart for both of you...and all the best to You and the Team...” and he shakes hands with Arnav now again and Arnav Pat’s Ashers arm – “ thank you once again..”

Asher grins – “ dont worry about it at all and now I will get going... for you Hoodie Guy have a world cup final to win..”,and he walks out of the locker room now and makes his way up truly a very happy man in his heart.

And he was truly Happy for Khushi!

And now he also knew he would be Ok!

For Arnav Singh Raizada- the VICE captain of the Indian cricket team was a thorough gentleman at heart and head too and maybe that is why he was also such a rockstar with the bat in the Gentlemans Game of Cricket!

And Arnav watches Asher now leave with a genuine smile on his face and he knew that he would be ok it was just a matter of time,and now he picked out up his Helmet and his Favorite bat and touched Khushis handwritten code of Love on it lovingly for once and he now walks out the locker with grit and determination like never before!

For the World has Often Seen Hate and Hurt and negative aggression but today the World was going to witness some massive Cricketing Carnage all because of the channelisation of the power of true and selfless Love and positive determination and grit and constructive aggression too but all through a very positive mindgame of strategy on the field.

He now grins at Cap and Coach as he gives them a thumbs up and gestured to them that he was all good and ready and he instinctively also turns to look at the VIP box closer next to the dug outs which was reserved down for families and he sees his parents and sister beaming down at him as his father signals him a excited thumbs up and his mother and sister both give him a flying kiss and he signals a happy thumbs up back to them quickly and now he finally steps on the field and walks up the field with Shiv next to him and the crowd goes berserk, he does look up to the balcony stands Asher mentioned about where they were all seated as he passes by it but ofcourse the crowd is massive so it’s impossible for him to spot Khushi with the naked eye and he smiles anyway and then continues to walk up and Chats up with Shiv and adjusts his gloves.

And he now takes his position on the field and he shakes hand with the Australian wicket keeper and wishes him all the best for the game and the Aussie Keeper shakes his hand but looks at him as he says – “ well I wouldn’t say that to you if I were you Mate..”

Arnav chuckles as he says – “ I know but I would..” ,and he now turns around and takes his position and rotates the bat in his hand as he gets ready to face the first ball of the innings and his eyes fall on Khushi's handwritten coded message and his heart swells.

WELL HE DIDNT KNOW IF HIS BAT HAD BEEN THE ELDER WAND BEFORE HE MET KHUSHI BUT IT SURELY HAD BEEN MAGICAL EVER SINCE SHE CAME INTO HIS LIFE AND THEN WROTE THIS CODE FOR HIM – AND  TODAY IT WAS GOING TO BE MAGICAL ANYWAY BECUASE IT WAS BEING POWERED BY THIS INSANELY STRONG EMOTION OF TRUE AND SELFLESS LOVE AND HE WAS GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT HE WOULD DO HIS BEST TO READ THE SITUATION AND THE PITCH AND THE BOWLER AND STEER THE WAY AROUND HIS GAME TOO IN A POSITIVE WAY SO THAT IT WOULD HELP BRING OUT THE STRENGTHS OF ALL ...AS IN EVERYONE HE PARTNERED WITH TODAY FROM HIS TEAM IN ORDER TO GET THROUGHH THIS CHASE STRATEGICALLY AND SUCCESSFULLY.

BUT ONE THING WAS SURE THE AUSSIES WERENT GOING TO GET HIS WICKET TODAY!

FOR

HE WAS DETERMINED TO BAT HIS WAY THROUGH TO THAT LAST BALL OF THE INNINGS FOR THIS WORLD CUP TODAY – HE HAD TOO!

AS IN HE WOULD GIVE IT HIS ALL AND NO MATTER WHAT THE RESULT, HE KNEW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO BE THE MOST MAGICAL GAME OF HIS LIFE AND HE WAS GOING TO ENJOY EVERY BIT OF THE MOMENT.

And Now as the Aussie pacer bowls in the first ball and Arnav reads it perfectly and Smashes the first ball of the innings for A Massive signature Style Uppercut straight into the last high stands and the Stadium goes Roaring, he walks upto Shiv as they fist their hands together and he grins – “ it’s been ages since I saw you start with a Six..AsR..”

Arnav grins as he adjusts his helmet and Pat’s his partners arm – “ a little change in strategy for us I think shiv..let’s take Turns to Fire as in you anchor a couple of overs and i fire and then we switch and it will confuse the AUSSIES with the choice of bowlers because of our left handed and right handed batsmen combination..and they will get the spinner to get the better of me and that is when you fire and I anchor..”

Shiv grins – “ and with the pacer the opposite you fire and I anchor..we play to our strengths then and not the opposite side weakness..”

Arnav winks at his partner and gives a thumbs up to the Aussie bowler in a gesture that the last ball was an excellent delivery and that startled him surely and he walks back to bowl the second ball and Arnav now walks back to the crease and this time around a tricky bouncer is bowled his way and he times it perfectly for a beautiful cover drive and the crowd goes roaring again.

And Arnav once again celebrates mid pitch with his partner Shiv and then again signals a happy thumbs up to the Aussie bowler for that brilliant delivery.

And he rotates his bat again and takes position on the Crease!

And in comes a Wide Ball.

Arnav smiles as he rotates the bat in his hand as his eyes fall on Khushis coded message again..and he still didnt know if this Bat was truly the Elder Wand right now but he knew one other thing for Sure.

KHUSHI'S Love for Him Surely was the Elder Wand!

AND HIS LOVE FOR HER WAS PROBABLY ONE TOO FOR HER!

PERHAPS IT WAS ALWAYS FATED AND DESTINED TO BE THIS WAY!

FOR THIS BOND IN BETWEEN THEM WAS SUCH A POWERFUL SOURCE OF MAGIC THAT TRULY INDEED IT EVEN MADE THE MAGINIFICENT WORD OF LOVE FALL SHORT!

Just the Word – ‘Love would Always Fall Short’

ALWAYS!

.........

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaa guyssssssss!!

So that was the superlong Update for you guys from my end and give me two to three days to return back with the Next update!!

I shall be on a writing Spree anyway and I promise that the Update shall be Up as soon as its Done!

Stay in Guys and Stay safe!

And Please please let me all know What you all think of this Update.!!

Much Love Guys

Thank you so much for your never ending support and Love!

……………………….

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