Hello everyoneeee…
I am back with the Updateee!!
Sorry for the little delay because of that slight injury to my right wrist and hand…I am feeling all good now.
And I hope the length Makes up for the Delay.
Its 19k Words guys.
Please ignore editing errors as I have no proofread.
And now I shall let you all Dive in without Further Delay.
……………
CHAPTER 52 - STEER-ing OUR SAILS THROUGH THE ‘BOARDGAME’ OFF - LIFE
Next Day – At the Hospital Suite - 730AM
Khushi's PoV
GoodMorning Guyssss!
Angry much??
As in...are you all Annoyed with Meee?? – You know for scaring you all...and everyone and most Importantly for putting My HOODIE Guyyyy through all that I did yesterday…emotionally?
I know…I know…It Injured Him badly to see Me like that – all day yesterday!
I apologized to him last night..but guys totally feels like I owe you all an apology too! For you know usually I do act and take decisions Maturely and Sensibly – but well in that Moment of Sheer Panic – I just couldn’t!!!!
Soorry yaaa Guysss!
For in that One Moment...I know I totally behaved like the CRAZY goof (that you all already have a disclaimer about that- that’s who I am..)… like ever since the very beginning...but I know...My Panicking that Way kind off Put Arnav too in a lot of danger...I Mean that’s why I ran out off the Auto guys..because I knew he would come out to get me..and I could see how the situation was heating Up Around me near the back enterance..and in that Moment all I cared about was the Fact...that My Hoodie Guy cannot sustain any kind of injury even...he cannot get Hurt because of mee...and hence I made that run into the BCCI...because I’d rather risk myself than to ever have a tiny mint harm ever come my Hoodie Guys way.
It’s like I cannot explain...all My Light Switches Kind off Switched Off ya...at just the thought of any potential harm to my Hoodie Guy...I’m only Human ya guys...and a crazy vulnerable one to owhen it comes to him…you all know that …hence….I committed an error in sheer panic.
However.
I am.so so so glad that he isn’t hurt physically...I know he’s been through a lot emotionally yesterday...and I am obviously going to make sure he Is Ok on that front guys...you all know that Dont You? I am going to Turn on the Light with Our Love and make sure that My Hoodie Guy will come out of this storm that he has faced on the professional front...and for that I am going to have to talk to him and hear him out..hear his Heart Out..you know like I always do...and then I am going to Support him and Help Him wade His WAY through it...and I will get around to this First thing the minute I step Out.
Ohh wait.
You all Must Be Wondering.
Where Am I?
So.
I am In the Hospital Suites Washroom ya guys...the Nurse on Duty was Helping me Sponge and I requested her if I could just sit on the Stool and Have a little warm bath and so right now that’s what iv been doing...because I definitely needed the Purity and Power of the Waters to Just wash away all the Overwhelming Pain from yesterday...both emotional and Physical.
And guyss...to be Honest...I still have a lot Of Pain ya in my body...my ankle obviously Hurts ...the one I twisted...so does my lower back...and my elbow and my SCALDED hand and then theres a little in my Head too as in on my forhead bruise and then at the back of my head...and a little headache otherwise too..but it’s like lot lot better from Yesterdayyy Guyssss...like a lot..and then I also had the Painkiller shot at 7am..about 30 minutes ago...so yeah on the physical front...its like..I am feeling Like as if it’s all In control as in its Bearable…you know the pain and I am very and I know it will all heal Up..and I most surely know that ..its a matter of Time.....like a couple of days..4 to 5 days maybe...and I shall be all HEALED guys.. Dont WORRYY..AND ALSO YOU KNOW WHY DO I SAY THAT WITH SO SO SO MUCH CONVICTion Guys??
Well because you all know meee……… ITS YOUR CRAZY GOOFY KHUSHI YA..and I totally channelize all the emotional power always from my Heart to help me Cope!
Soooo yesssss..like I told My Hoodie Guy last night...all I needed was to cry it Out in his arms too and then have his arms around me as I slept...( which by the way I had -had...until 655am until the Nurse came to Check.up On Me) and I totally Opened My eyes...Feeling Like a Brand New Phoneix....Emotionally....so now it’s only a matter of time that This Power and Magic of all the Love around me...helps me Heal physically too!
Soooooo guyyyyssssss... I hope I am forgiven for the crazy goofy stunt in front of the BCCI that landed me in Here...?
Dont be Mad yaaaaaaaa guyssss!
Pleaseeèeeeeeee.
Pretty pleaaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Ok wait...will it Help if I notch up the Energy in my Goodmorning...since maybe that can give you all a reflection of the fact...that Yours Truly...Goofy crazy Khushi...is back to her Normal self in the HEAD AND HEART...like full On...ME MODE...LIKE YOU KNOW THE CRAZY ME – ORIGNAL VERSION.
Ok.
Wait.
LET ME JUST DO IT ANYWAY!
HAHA.
GOOOOOODDDDDDDDDMORNNINNNGGGGGGGGGGGG GUYYYYYYYYYYYSSSSSS!!!
ITS A NEW NEW Newwwwwwww Dayyyyyyyyy!
Likeeee Yipppppeeeeeeeeeè!
RISEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AND SHINEEEEEEEE GUYSSSSSSS!!!!!!
FOR
Its A New Day and Like a very Important Day too because it’s the 20th December...and from this day On..the OFFICIAL countdown to OUR Wedding Begins!
I MEAN YOU GUYS DO REMEMBER WHOSE WEDDING I AM TALKING ABOUT RIGHT?
HAHA!
ME AND HOODIE GUYS!
LIKE WE ARE GETTING MARRIED IN TEN DAYS FROM NOW!
OHHHHHHHHHH MAN.
Likeeee guyssss Imagineeeeeeee!
And.oh on the Note...the first thing as I woke up...I obviously had My Hoodie Guys arms around me...and I Hugged Arnav hard for a bit and He obviously hugged me harder too and then he kissed my Forhead Tenderly and then cupped my Face and asked me with overwhelmed eyes – if I was feeling better..and I had Nodded at him ofcourse with a Heartfelt Smile and overwhelmed emotions as we shared this superintense eyelock that spoke volumes in between of us and then before I could talk to Him the Sister was all Like....ASR...i need to check her vitals and Arnav was immediately off my side much to my momentary disappointment...and then Sister checked on my vitals which were stable and after that she I ejected me the Painkiller shit thought the IV Cannula she and then she was all like -I need to help you freshen up Khushi!
Yeahhh....and to be Honest Guys I did want to Shower too you know since i knew it would make me Feel Like all Freshhhhhhhh!
And then I Just asked my Hoodie guy to freshen up as well...and I told him I will see him in a bit...and he then kissed each of my cheeks ..many Forhead...My eyes....like ten Times...literally ten times each...and then finally hugged me one more time engulfing me into himself and I hugged him back too and kissed his forehead and cheeks and eyes too and then He helped me walk to the washroom along with the Nurse and i came in with the Nurse to the washroom and he then Made his way out to freshen up in the Washrooms on the floor and I told him not to wake up Anjali just yet for she was still sleeping on the sofa cum bed.
Anyways so yessss before I started Freshening up..I asked the nurse to help me with my phone(which had been placed on charge)...and then I totally texted In our family group on whatsapp and in the group with everyone in Cape town...( and I know they are in the flight...for they will be landing by 10am too but I anyway still left a text to all as I know they will see it once they land) – so that everyone is Rest Assured that Their CRAZY goofy Khushi is like much much betterrrrrr!
Oh.
And the Text I left.
Gooodddddmmmoorningggg everyone....rise and shine everybodyyyyyyy...wakie walkie and look at the date...look at the date...its 20th of december and the countdown to our Wedding Day begins...oh my ggod...everyone...can these ten days fly by like super fast alreadyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! Cant wait to see you Alllllllllllll..mom dad...Dadi...Ravi from here ...and to all of you who are on the flight....come soon ok?.like boombaddity...boombaddy...Diggyyyyy..diggyyy soonnnnnnnnnn!!!!and dont you all worry about meeee...I am feeling so so so much better...all thanks to this Magical DUMBLEDORE Hoodie guy of Mine..just you wait everyone...I shall be all healed soon physically too...like just these minor injuries here and there...ha...cant stop my crazy head from going back Into its Mode...and mom,dad,dadi and ravi...please get like all the board games when you come..I want chess,ludo,monopoly and scrabble too...because we are so totally going to play Boardgames all day..you know like a Hospital Picnic...see this is like My Hospital Holiday...ok?? Which shall get over like very soon so I want to make the most of it and the get back Home soon like....boombaddy boombaddy diggy Diggy Soooonnnn!!!( and I added a string of dancing and smiling Smilies)
Hahahahhaa!
That would Surely assure everyone that I was feeling all Ok in My Head and Hearttttt...... right??????
Hahaha!
I know righhhhhtttt!
Anyways.
Now the nurse asks me if I need any help as she is on the other side of the curtain and I assure her that I am ok and I quickly finish showering now and then I ask her to help me with the towel and she does..and I quickly dry myself up and she then helps me dress in the fresh hospital gown!
I do not like this Hospital Gown ya Guys!
As in I don’t want to put this On Again.
I quickly pick up my phone and just as I am about to text Mom individually on Whatsapp to request her to help me get some trackpants and tees from Home once they all come here– theres a knock on the bathroom door, and I hear Anjali’s voice come through – “ Khushi…heres your tracks and tee , it was in the bag Mom had sent for you last night…bhai asked me to give this to you.....and that goodmorning text from you in the family group already made my morning Khushi...I am so so glad that you feel better..”,and she paused as she spoke – “ sister…will you please help Khushi with this??”
And I ask immediately, feeling so loved – “ mom already had my stuff sent over..??anjali..i was just about to text her..”
Anjali warm and loving voice – “ Khushi we all knew that you wouldn’t want to be in the Hospital gown after freshening up in the morning…cmon then…take this…and just so you know bhai is already pacing around nervously wondering why its taking you so long…he was worried and asked me to check if alls ok?? I mean he was smiling a little pacing around reading that text from you In the family group...but then he went back to being a little worried..and he was all like Anjali...Sunshine has been in for like 30 minutes please check up on her and hand her..this change.. I’m sure she wouldnt want to be in her hospital gown now..”
The sister gives me a loving smile,as she opens the door and Anjali’s hand comes through with my clothes and I chuckle as I call out to Anjali – “Anjali give me five minutes…and please tell my hoodie guy..that I am ok..and not to worry...just took longer because I was obviously freshening up and going about my shower slowly...”
Anjali warm voice – “ yes yes I will tell him that but as if…you know he wont stop worrying until he sees you for himself..”
I grin – “ ok ill be out quick…”
And The sister now closes the door and starts to help me change into my loose track pants and I realise that the Tee is one of Arnav’s super baggy nightsuit round neck tees and I grin to myself as I realise that this was totally My Hoodie Guys’ doing – I am sure he asked Mom to put some of his tees in there for me.
The sister smiles – “ he loves you very much…they all do Khushi…you have no idea how worried everyone had been yesterday and specially ASR…”
I smile at her – “ I know sister…I am so so so blessed….and that’s why I am so so so sure that all this Love around me is going to help me heal…”,and she grins and asks – “ ok so you hungry much? You will still be on the IV drips for a bit…but incase you want to eat..ill order up breakfast for you??
I nod as I say – “ yes sister I think I do want to eat now and I know I will be given like a soft diet nothing heavy but can you order some parathas alongside for Arnav and Anjali as well…because I want them to eat too....and I’m sorry for making you feel like ROOM service already it’s just that If I step out and ask Arnav what will he eat..he will say he is not hungry and then Anjali will just...grab some sandwiches from the coffee kiosk outside...and I do want them to eat like a warm breakfast and not like a frozen sandwich..”
Sister grins – “ well I am glad to help you with your from service order Khushi...and look at you apologizing so sweetly..…don’t worry about it…and once we step out..you just relax ok…and ill come to check on you later..…and have your breakfast well…but well I know ASR will make sure of that..”
I grin at her.
And now, just as we step out the washroom, I see... My Hoodie guy standing like bang in front of the washroom with Anjali and our eyes lock immediately and I smile at him as I say – “ hey you hoodie guy…goodmorning…”
The worry in Arnav’s eyes gets replaced with relief immediately as he spots me and he gives me a loving smile and his eyes give me a – there you finally are look that immediately acknowledge back with another smile and he smiles politely as looks at the sister as he says – “ sister…thsnk you so much...we will help her walk to the bed…”
Sister smiles – “ ok…then…and I will attach the drip back intot he Iv and then send some breakfast up for Khushi...and for the two of you as well since Khushi already placed the order for you both too..with me....and also apologized for making me feel like a room service....”,and she turns to AsR as she states – “ AsR..when it’s time for discharge...I shall be taking your Wifi's autograph first..I hope you wouldnt mind...”
Arnav grins – “ i would Love that more actually...”, and his eyes lock with mine as he gives me – oh my sunshine..you are adorable look....which i acknowledge back immediately with my eyes telling him that I Understood the silent gesture.
And now Anjali and Arnav come on both my sides now, as I still need that little help because of my sprained ankle and the spasm in my lower back and I ask sister as she was walking towards my bedside and I ask softly – “ sister…I just want to sit up on a chair for a bit…so can you attach that after breakfast..”
Arnav looks at me sideways immediately concerned – “ Sunshine…are you sure??”
I look into his eyes as I admit – “ yes..Love…just for a bit..i just need a little change..in position and I am totally feeling upto just sit up for a bit...”
Sister nods – “ ok Khushi...if you feel upto it..its great actually…but have lots of fluids in the meanwhile ok until breakfast comes??”
I smile at her as I admit – “ sister you have no idea..about the amount of water I can have ok?? Don’t worry about it….ask them…they are testimony...I am telling you it’s like you could almost say that I am like a Aquawoman within..”and Arnav and Anjali look at me amused as they chuckle and they nod at sister and she smiles as she says – “ ok…ok…fine…aquawoman...”,and she looks at Arnav as she states- “ ASR...I am pretty sure...and very serious about what I said...your WIfi's autograph will be more in demand amongst all of Nurses on the floor by the time it’s time for her to leave...she has a way of touching a heartstring..”
Arnav and Anjali smiles and say in unison - “and we know exactly what you mean..”
I smile at everyone.
And Sister now makes her way out and just as she does, Arnav scoops me in his arms and I gape at him all shy, because Anjali cant stop grinning and I state – “ hoodie guy…I can walk..”,but my arms go around his neck on reflex and he looks sideways at me as he carries me in his arms to the other side of this hospital suite and he says on reflex – “ I know you can Sunshine…but I just want to carry you in my arms…”,and his hold on me tightens and becomes immediately a thousand times over protective and possessive and I nod at him and just then Anjali draws out the curtain to the other side of the Hospital room and I take in the sight of this huge suite area I look at Arnav and Anjali gaping as I admit – “ guys…really this isn’t a hospital room or suite…totally like a hospital kingdom…this is sooo huge….”,and Arnav and Anjali chuckle now and I say looking at Arnav zapped – “ love…you could have just got a normal room done no??this is like insane…”
Arnav rolls his eyes as he gives me a – Sunshine-please-don’t-say-aword-further-on-this-please…look and Anjali states with a grin – “ha...Khushi...hospital kingdom...you cracked me up with that..”,and she bends forward to kiss my forhead and she states – “so glad to have you talking to us...” ,and then she states – “ ok then guys…I am going to freshen up and shower too see you guys in a bit…”
And Arnav is still standing with me in his arms and not placing me on the Dining chair and I am looking at him confused and we see Anjali take out her change and stuff and she grins and winks at us and makes her way to the washroom on the other side and then finally Arnav moves and he then places me on the Sofa tenderly in a sitting position and he comes to sit next to me as he holds my hand and laces our fingers together and he whispers looking into my eyes – “ Sunshine…I think this will be more comfortable for you…”
And my heart gushes with love as I admit, keeping my gaze locked with his, and my hand clutching onto His – “ Love, I think I will be more comfortable in your arms…why don’t you cradle me in your arms..and place me on your lap please…I just want you to hold me close Hoodie Guy …you wont hurt me…please?”
Arnav nods silently and he picks me up and adjusts me on His Lap cradles me lovingly and I wrap my arms around his neck and place my head on his shoulder and I kiss his cheek now and I whisper – “ my Hoodie guy…I love you…”, and now that we are alone..for a bit..I can feel the overwhelmed vibe return in between of us as I know he is so so so overwhelmed still with the emotions within and I tighten my hands around his neck possesively and I whisper – “ I am ok Love…as in much better…trust me..im not just saying it just like that or somethinf…I truly am feeling much better than I was last night… I told you your arms around me as I slept was what I needed…and then with the painkiller too I feel like in a composed state for real..as in its bearable…the pain is bearable…the physical bit off it…and …”,and before I can complete my sentence I feel him kiss my forhead softly over the bandage on my wound and then he kisses my scalded hand and my hurt elbow and he whispers now , cupping my face and his eyes are swimming with so much – “ godammit Sunshine…”,and he keeps in forhead on Mine and closes his eyes ,as if all he wanted to do in the moment was to just take in the Moment of me being with him right now.
And I just cup his face and kiss his cheek and then I brush the hair around the nape of his neck tenderly as I just let him have his moment for like two minutes as I also continue to brush my other hand over his beard lovingly in a silent gesture of trying to soothen his overehelmed emotions and then i say softly kissing on his nose - “ look into my eyes Love and tell me if they tell you anything otherwise…in my head and heart..I feel like My Dumbledores phoenix again for real…you know I do…I know you can feel it..please look into my eyes love and tell me if they tell you anything otherwise...”
Arnav opens his eyes to Look into mine and our gaze locks Intensely with each other and he says softly – “ i was like a dead zombie Sunshine all day yesterday...it killed me to see you that way..the most FREAKING tortourous sight of my life..seeing you get injured that way right in front of my eyes..and then everything after...godammit you Sunshine .”, and he immediately huggs me hard and I just hold onto him and I whisper softly in his ears, clutching onto him close because his vibe..the vibe of our embrace was making me so much power – “ I am ok Love…and see now that I am in your tee my recovery will be even better...I am sure you asked Mom to put them in for me didnt you?? And moms so amazing she sent my stuff over already...you know I was just about to text her on whtsapp the very same right when Anjali knocked...love...I am ok....please talk to me...ok tell me did you you see my text on the family whatsapp group…anjali told me you did..and she did tell me that it made you smile..i am telling you Love this is just like a little Hospital Holiday..and only aptly put in my text because Hoodie guys this suite is anyway like a holiday kingdom...just you wait...I shall be all healed physically soon...like bombaddy bombaddy diggy diggy soon...”
Arnav pulls back immediately and he chuckles on reflex now and kisses my forhead – “ godaamit you…only you have it in you to make me smile and chuckle when I am gripped with overhwlemed emotions…how did you even come with a message like that anyway Sunshine..hospital holiday..get me all the board games everyone we will have a picnic..chess,ludo,monopoly,scrabble and then ofcourse your…bombaddi bombaddi diggy diggy soon…like really???”
I chuckle on reflex as I say kissing his forhead– “ well it was just a way of letting everyone know that I am ok…and that it’s a new dayyy…the sun has risen..and is all shining again…and that we have to get around to turning on the light now Love…”
Arnav looks into my eyes intently as he cups my cheek – “ you are My Sun godaamit.. you are the light of my Life....so The Sun rose for me when I spoke to you last night Khushi…when you slept in my arms…the sun had risen for me in my heart even though technically it was night..the sun rose for me when I could feel your calm and steady breathing as you slept in my arms... making my heart and lungs have a birthday party celebration of their own…I mean it Sunshine…you are my very own Sunrise..if you are ok…and you smile then only the Sun will rise for me…or otherwise theres no light around me without you for real Love…and you have no idea how much its still killing me to see you in this hospital…I can’t see you in here Love..…I just can’t…i just cant take it..all because of me dammit...once again you had to face all this nonsense...and I promised everyone in cape town that I’d always protect you and you were injured right in front of my godammit eyes and I couldn’t...”and he pauses because the emotion chokes his voicebox and I just hug him hard again and he hugs me hard and I whisper into his ears – “ im sorry…Hoodie guy..i am sorry…this is my fault surely…...please...please dont feel guilty about this..because me getting hurt was like my very own fault not yours at all ...forgive me...please..its like..I.. …i…all my lights shut down at the thought of any potential harm come your way because of me for I knew you would come out for me…gosh..arnav..I am so sorry ”,and he whispers holding onto me tight – “ shhh…shhh…shhh…dont you dare say sorry to me ok…I understand….dont apologize Sunshine…please…I know…all I’m saying is that i just so badly that wish you weren’t hurt this way…Sunshine..please promise me that once this episode is over… you will try to keep yourself away from these damm hospitals always Sunshine…it kills me to see you in here…please godammit Sunshine…please…”
I hug onto him hard as I admit honestly because a thought comes to my head...and I admit it immediately, because I know this will make his heart glow with Love - “ I am sorry Love...I cannot make a promise to you that I cannot keep...”
And He Pulls back immediately and cups my face and looks at me puzzled – “ huh???”
I try to bite back my smile as I say earnestly – “ love...you want me to promise you to stay away from the hospitals...but I’m saying that I cant keep that promise Love...I mean I can only in one case..”
Arnav looks at me puzzled – “ which is...”
And I now smile as I admit – “ which is...if you'd rather have me deliver our babies at home....on that note we never discussed this before Hoodie Guy..but I atleast want two kids down the line....ok??so I most definitely will get admitted into the hospitals two times at least right??”
And just like I expected the worry in Arnav’s eyes gets immediately displaced with the glow of Love and a happy emotion and he kisses my forhead and hugs me hard again and he says – “ godammit you...I love you..you are my freaking oxygen.....and only you can make me feel so much at the same time...like one second I was all overwhelmed with worry and emotion and the next second to slingshot me upto space with Happiness in less than a bloody nanosecond..with those words...oh godammit you..godammit you......ok fine Sunshine...let’s makes a deal...you shall only come into the hospitals on those two occasions...or make that three occasions..because i want three kids...ok wait...make that four...or how about if I say I want five kids Sunshine...or maybe six...”
And I immediately pull back as I gape at Arnav amused – “ four... five... six...kids??? Oh Arnav...nooooooooo I mean...no no...let’s come to a consensus right here right now...or else next thing you say...Sunshine...I want a full cricket team...”,and we instantly share a warm laugh and he looks at me happily amused his eyes shining with Love and I say with my finger on my cheeks now ,after a deep thought for like 20 seconds – “ok...let’s think this through? Hmmm.....i say just two...or ok I’ll consider your inputs too...you say 4,5 or 6...ok how about this ...common grounds like a mid way..win win...so yes...maximum three children ok??????t how does that sound???
Arnav chuckles and grins in victory.. – “ three done...DEAL sunshine...just what I actually want..”
And I gape at him as I ask amused – “ oh so you just mentioned 4,5,6 for negotiation Haan...for you knew I would agree to 3 then...look at you...your negotiating mindgames..”
And we share a warm laugh again now and he kisses my forhead again and I lean in close to his lips and kiss him on the side of his lips as I say, – “ and since we are on that discussion of a outcome of our love that shall be like a result of our magical Carnage love...then I think it’s only fair that I admit this to You Love...the one downside of all this Hospital holiday though..and that is the facr I shall miss our Carnage classes terribly...I do miss your Carnage on me Hoodie guy..iv become used to you Canraging me every night and then sometimes in the middle of the night..and sometimes how you wake me up with your Carnage too...I am addicted to you...you know that dont you???”
And he chuckles as his hand go into my hair and he says looking into my eyes – “ well I I that.. surely love...but i think its fair to conclude the fact that it’s me who is insaner and addicted on every bloddy spectrum...but on that note...tell me something Sunshine...are you up for a challenge? Like a quick twist ??”
I nod and ask puzzled- “.huh??? What twist??....”
And Arnav chuckles – “well since you mentioned you miss MY Carnage on you so much....I have come up with a brilliant idea Sunshine...because I am so bloody selfish right now because I cannot wait for you to get out of this hospital.. so then let’s use this as your motivation...Sunshine....so here it goes.. .you better get well soon fast ok or else no carnage classes for you until you are fully recovered and healed...and if you don’t recover fast...then no carnage classes at all until the next ten days Until our wedding night...so...yeah...”
I gape at him amused – “ noooooo bloodyyyy..way...Hoodie guy...are you serious????
And he chuckles at the disappointment in my eyes and he now says in a serious intent tone – “ yes Sunshine...I am...and on a serious note...you are hurt in a lot of places and I will not risk hurting you...at all...so yes...I hate to break this news to you...but yes our Carnage classes have most definetly been postponed until our Wedding night...your health and your recovery are like my priority...”
And My Heart Swells with Love.
But I am so so so bloody Disappointed too.
And I give him a loving yet disappointed look – “ what a bummer that is ya Hoodie guy....but ok fine I I understand where you are coming from...how about this...let’s negotiate...no carnage classes fine.. but atleast we can kiss right.. for I most definitely need the drinks of my Dumbledores and His Phoenix’s Scotch...for recovery you know...like medicine...cmon...ya Hoodie guy...that atleast along with you holding me in your arms as I sleep in the night..is like a pre-requisite for my recovery ok...and maybe just to add to that.. your gentle and loving caresses over my injuries maybe...this is like my prescription list of loving medicines that I am going to need for my recovery and note this...atleast if you agree to that.. I that..I atleast term this on my little black book of adventures with my Hoodie guy...as a HOSPITAL Romance...and yes one more thing...maybe if you can just look into my eyes like you always do..and tell me how much you love me...before I doze off to sleep...see now this all I will need...and I am dead serious...you tick mark this prescription list and I promise you that I shall put my full focus info resting it out and getting completely healed by the time our wedding functions begin...even though I know we will be home before that.. as in I will be asked to check out of this hospital kingdom by then...”
And Arnav chuckles as he says narrowing his eyes at me- “ godammit you....you make sure you ask me so so so adorably that I cannot say no to it....ok fine...I agree to your prescription list...provided you agree to just focus on resting and recovering too...I mean it love no physical exertion for you..Sunshine...please...”
And I narrow my eyes at him,amused – “now thats a fair deal my Hoodie guy...all fair and sqaure..” , and I look down on my injuries on my body as I say – “ dear injuries please heal soon...ok?focus on that...and I shall get you your ticket to the platforms and floors of HEAVENLY carnage very soon...but if you dont cooperate with me ..then dont blame me and be jealous of my Lips ok...for they are going to get all the attention in the meanwhile.. ..”,and I touch my lips and I grin at Arnav – “ oh look Hoodie guy..my lips are jumping up in momentary victory...how about you kiss me briefly..”
Arnav chuckles and our eyes lock and we share a warm laugh and he states leaning forward to kiss the side of my lips- “ you promise to eat your breakfast well and keep on with the fluids and juust as the doctors and nurse agree thst you are well enough to have that dreadful IV Cannula off your hand....I shall kiss you.. so focus Sunshine..focus...”, and i feel him kiss the other side of my lips too and he tucks my chin with a finger and makes me look into his eyes and he admits- “ I hate the sight of that IV Drip on your hand Sunshine...”, and I whisper lovingly- “ goshhh..Arnav...fine I’ll tsir Tina a challenge...you wait..this drip shall be off my hands soon..and then we kiss..”- and he nods and overwhelmed emotions return to swim in his eyes and he immediately pulls me in for another hug and I hug him hard and I brush his hair tenderly as I whisper in his ears ,now softly – “ Love...talk to me pleaseee...tell me what’s on your mind with regards to what happened outside the BCCi..I know you are hurt by the reaction to the rumour and I am sure everyone must be so worried after what happened and then me gettingg injured in the ways I did...please tell me what happened with regards to all of that once I was brought here and more importantly I want to know how you are feeling right now..so first tell me that.. are you ok love???...”
Arnav continues to hug me hard and he states in a matter of fact tone– “ sunshine..iv been dying to just vent this out to you too..and well to be honest..I dont know if I am ok.....as in I have been feeling dejected about it obviously..becuase you do know on one side all that me and Cap were planning..and then this happened on the basis of a rumour and just the way they reacted..its like a part of me is..totally in the mood to make this Rumour a reality...because after what happened and in the way it happened...I just feel like all I am looked upon is like a sport entertainment tool...no one in the general public cares about me as a human Sunshine...the public doesn' t care about what we feel as Humans...I mean after Cap giving two decades of his life to the blue Jersey and a decade in my case...didnt they have any faith in their hearts at all...to think again that me and Cap obviously wont take hasty decisions..we most definetly understand the responsibility on our shoulders...but I think the public has forgotten their very basic responsibility too..that is too also look at us with normal human beings...because that’s who we are right at the end of the day right...we have feelings too...emotions too...cricket is such a important part of our lives but theres more to Life than just that no Sunshine...and more than that.. they most definetly have no right to accuse our partners this way..for our decisions and bash them up..this is so so unfair.. and it’s been happening since forever....”
I just continue hugging him hard as I say brushing his hair softly – “ I know...I know...sachi maam gave me a heads up about this love...and it’s only natural for you to feel this way..just talk it all out to me Love....your every thought on this....just take it out...see I’m here....hugging you...holding into you....just pour all your worry and thoughts out to me Love....”
And just as I say that to MY Hoodie guy...he holds on to me tight and hE does....Just That.
And I hold onto him tight and I just Listen to My Hoodie Guy pouring his Heart out to Me as always and I take in everything that hes saying- carefully- because I had to process his every thought and emotion..and give respect to it and give his Hurt on the professional front it’s due...because as you all know...one can only sail through a Storm if one knows how to adjust the sails according to the speed of the Winds of the Storm!
You know how you need DIFFERENT voltage and Watts of Bulbs and Lights in different rooms according to the Space ,position,angle etc...I needed to exactly know the depth of My Hoodie guys Emotions and also get a detailed information on what had happened otherwise too...the Only way I could figure out which Light Switch to On- so that it Brings in the exact voltage and Watt of Light that was needed to tackle this Storm!
And about ten minutes off him just venting out to me..I hear My tMy Hoodie guy fill me in over every one else’s reactions...and I take deep breathes as i listen in silence..all the while my Head going into a simultaneous overdrive...because just as i am hearing to all that is being told to me..I have a feeling that I needed to Figure out a Way of turning on a lot of Lights at Once!
I didnt just Need a Bulb of A tube light Switch right now!
I needed a Switch that would light Up every corner of the dark rooms and I know it was out there...and now I just had to get around to Finding it!
And Know this Dear Switches!
I shall find you no matter and then Me and My Hoodie guy will switch you on...Together!
.......
11: 00 AM
ARNAV’S POV
Guysss.
Well like I Mentioned...I was OFF My Zombie Mode the Minute My Sunshine opened her eyes to Look into Mine ...late last night!
And Yes Ever Since then ...Iv been Back to My Human Mode with my Heart and Lungs Indulging in a little BDAY celebration Party of their own ever since!
I literally Feel Alive Again!
Yeahhh.And you see this woman’s crazy adorable antics which are like the Sparkle of My Life?
I mean I still can’t get over that Bombaddy Bombaddy Diggy diggy soon!
Ha!
And what was that?
Hospital Kingdom...hospital Holiday....and right when I am gripped with so so so much emotion telling her that Sunshine you better stay away from the Hospitals..she brings up the One topic..that Made My Heart Glow and the Light...that lit within with that Was so so so Strong that It totally Dimmed all MY Worry in the Moment...I mean...yes we have kind off never discussed the topic ever before...crazy though because as you all know we talk like so so so muchhh...but yeah MY Sunshine chooses that exact Moment to talk about Our Babies!!!
And then ofcourse Her Prescription List....to Me ...that Hoodie guy...I would need all these Loving gestures and your love on this way as Like My Medicines to Help me Heal...and then she says This will be Like a Hospital holiday Romance!
Likeeee Haaa!
Out of all the things she says to me When shes the One who is Admitted in here – are these!
And then she holds onto me...Hugs me Tight...and Hears me out...She holds me tight.. Caresses and Brushes MY hair so so lovingly all through out as she Listens to Everything Calmly...telling me all through out that Hoodie Guy it’s normal to feel this way..only apt emotions....we must always give every emotion it’s Due..because when we do that.. the emotions Listen to Us when we wade our Way around them, shifting them around here and there with the Software of our Mind.
Yeahhh.
Guys.
Now you know what I Meant that this Woman is like My Oxygen!
I cannot Go On without Her like Ever!
This Woman has driven me Crazzzyyyyy!
And I absolutely Love the Fact that I only Fall in Love with Her More and More each Day...with every passing second...with every passing minute...she has a way of peeptoeing her WAY Closer into MY Being!
And I know I have stated this like a zillion times before.
But I Shall anyway State the ETERNAL truth Again.
The ETERNAL truth – That.
I NEED HER.
PERIOD.
SHE IS MY PRE-REQUSITE TO LIFE.
PERIOD.
And you know now that I think of it...I say that shes my Sunrise...MY Sunlight..but you guys know what..shes Also my Moonlight...for shes like My ETERNAL Calm...My Peace...Only she Knows how to Handle Me Through the Storms that come Our Way!
She is pretty much the Captain of the Ship of Our Lives...Guys!
And I know...I know...for sure...Her brains..her mind...is like in a Overdrive right now thinking of solutions...that she thinks will Be the Lights in the Moment...because after we finished talking...Anjali joined us after freshening up and we both continued to Summarise the details of everything that happened to her over breakfast( which I made her eat with my very own hands...every bite of it and she fed me mine), and we filled her in about Me already filing the Harrasement case on those two girls who burnt her hand on purpose and encouraged the Mob hanging up on her ,and then about Dads 100 Crore Lawsuit on the Media House...and then also the Teams disappointed Silent Protest on all of social Media.....and I could clearly see and observe from the expression in her eyes in the moment...that as she was taking it all In..at the same time her Head was surely going in a crazy overdrive within...!
And I am PRETTY sure...by the evening ..she is going to Gather all of us..and give Us – her Let us on the Light Solutions...and to be Honest...I am quite inquisitive to know what Her fascinating Head will come up with this time around....because well she surely knows that she has to bring up Her Solutions backed up with Insane Logics to convince Us to look at things Otherwise!
And oh I am sure you guys are Wondering...where is My Precious Sunshine right now??
Oh I tucked her in bed and asked her to get Some sleep...after the doctors finished their rounds...and they were all satisfied with her progress...actually a lot Surprised..because when they walked in...she was sitting in the dining chair...and had just finished breakfast and was all Smiling..looking down at Me...and yeah..the doctors were glad to see her that way and talk to her too and they did say that if she Had her Lunch well too..they would definetly do away with the IV drips...and asked her to Keep Restinng and Sleeping in between for that was the best for her Recovery!
And then once they left..I obviously scooped her In My Arms and carried her to the bed and tucked her in lovingly and kissed her firhead and her cheeks and her eyes ten times over and asked her to get some sleep...and the victorious look she Gave me as she kissed my forhead...and stated just you wait HOODIE guy....I am going to catch up on some sleep now..and by Lunch time this drip shall be off my hands and then I shall get my Kiss...you dont forget your part of the Deal ok?
Haaa!
Just tell me...how is it not possible for me to Love this Woman in the ways I do??
Godaamit Sunshine!
And right then my chain of thoughts is broken as Anjali walks in through the suite door as she states- “ok so just finished talking to Mom..even though Khushi wanted everyone to go Home first and then come.to the hospital to see her...Moms like everyone wants to see her first...so they are all on their way here...uncle,aunty,diya,rahul,zara,zain,asher, mom,dad,Dadi and Ravi ofcourse..”,and she sat next to me and held my hand and smiled – “ it’s a good thing shes getting some rest before everyone it’ll take them an hour or so to reach here in traffic time...”
I nod as I smile – “ yeah...and I told Coach,Cap,sachin maam to come around little later on early evening..and he did say that Shiv,Kunal,yuvaan,singh..actually most of the team wants to visit her too...I just messaged them all to thank them for all the support and asked the rest of the team to come by tomm..since she would be much better by then hopefully and will be able to sit on for longer...for I am definetly not letting her exert much today....even though her adorable crazy mind software is back to its original version...her hardware needs to rest and recoup too..”
Anjali chuckles- “ oh bhai look at that..software...hardware.. coming from you...khushi rubs on you in so so many ways and we love it...”
I chuckle as I take a sigh of relief- “ I know...anjali...I know..and you know to be honest until I met her....I didnt even know that my Heart could beat this way so strongly in Love...that one day someone would be as crucial to my existence as oxygen...but Khushi is a prerequisite for my Mere existence now..and I know it’s the same for her..and you know what I love the fact that we love each other this way...I feel so blessed in this moment...to experience a love so magnificent,so pure and so so bloody powerful and empowering...”
Anjali nods and smiles – “ yes bhai...I know what you mean...and you know what to be honest...I am pretty excited to hear Khushi out...you know since we both know her minds in crazy overdrive right now..thinking about wading things around positively...after hearing all that we told her..she’s definetly going to turn on the i am sure.....her eyes gave her away...she just didnt say it then to us...because..”
I grin – “ because that’s just MY Sunshines Style..she wont ever push it ....shes very subtle and always very very convincing in a very adorable way when she likes to bring out a twisted positive mindgame ....she will take her time and wait until her heart tells her that it’s the right time to talk about her Eureka Moments...”
Anjali chuckles – “ oh bhai...shes amazing...I love her...i juust hope we will be able to take her Home soon....you know like bombaddy bombaddy diggy diggy soon”
I grin and chuckle – “ yeah right...bombaddy bombaddy diggy diggy soon....”
GODAMMIT Sunshineeeeeee!
I LOVE YOU GODAMMIT.
..............
90.Minutes Later – In the Hospital Suite
1230PM
The Door had just opened, and everyone had just arrived into the Suite and Arnav and Anjali had immediately got up to greet everyone, also gesturing to them that Khushi was still asleep on the other side of the curtain.
Uncle, Aunty, Rahul , Diya, Zara, Zain. Asher,nod at Arnav, and diya shifts the curatin a little aside, and once they all take in the sight of Khushi still deep asleep…they feel a lot more better in each of their hearts! For all throughout Transit time – they had been extremely worried – well even though everyone here had kept each of them up to date about Khushi’s condition …but still they all knew that their hearts would only feel peaceful – once they saw Khushi with their very own eyes and that’s why Uncle, Aunty, Rahul, Diya had also rushed along with Zara, Zain and Asher to India – who were anyway scheduled to arrive in Delhi on this day.
And as they all Now look at Khushi again from the behind the curtains and the Nurse checking up on her and adjusting her IV drip and her being sound asleep , and right then the Nurse gestures to them with a thumbs up and a smile gesturing to them that Khushi was doing much better – each of Khushis near and dear ones feel a lot more relaxed now.
Dadi – who had just had fer first meeting with everyone from cape Town in the hospitals lobby downstairs – finally gestures everyone to now join in in the seating area of the suite and Ravina, Anjali and Ravi start helping out everyone with water in the paper cups.
Arnav touches Uncle and Raima Auntys feet immediately , before they take a seat and he is feeling guilty so he is unable to look at the in the eye and Uncle realises the emotion and he pulls Arnav in a instant hug as he says softly, lovingly – “ this is not your fault son….not your fault…look at me in the eye…will you please…for we know…we know that you’v been feeling guilty about this and Khushi getting hurt in the way she did…but we all understand that this was just a unfortunate accident and not your fault at all…son don’t worry about it…I am sure she will be all fine soon…shes a fighter…always has been…”
Arnav hugs onto Uncle as he says – “ I know…but im sorry…I am so sorry…unlce…I promised you all that I would protect Khushi and she got hurt right in front of my eyes and I couldn’t…”
Raima now immediately hugs Arnav too and she states lovingly – “Arnav… we know that you love Khushi more than anything in the world…infact we also know if there’s anyone who is hurting more than any of us or even Khushi herself..at seeing her like this…its you…we know beta,..we know…so please don’t blame yourself at all…”,and she pulls back and kisses Arnavs forhead.
Arnav nods and he pulls back and he looks at them apologetically – “ thank you uncle, aunty…you’r very gracious to the situation..”
Arnav now looks at Rahul and he says with a apologetic smile – “ sorry…Rahul…maybe use my bat to smash it once in my face, for Khushi did get hurt because of me…”
Rahul smiles at Arnav as he says hugging him now – “ oh cmon…ASR…please I know that donkey…she panicked surely and her brain kind of shut down the only explanation to the fact that she literally ran out straight into the mob scene…it was a accident…and we understand…and this donkey will be fine soon…im sure…just in time for the wedding celebrations…”
Arnav hugs him and he pulls back and he thanks him for his understanding too.
Diya now says to Arnav with a heartfelt mile – “ and know this hoodie guy…Khushi also left all of us another message in our group apart from her amusing come soon…bombaddy diggy diggy soon message…she texted us..how she was feeling so so guilty already for panicking that way for she also put you in danger…and she said…guys…you know how much I love my hoodie guy no…my brain just shut down on me at the thought of any potential harm come his way..but now that I think off it I do think so I was a little careless maybe…”
Zara smiles as she adds – “ exactly and she went on with her texts saying – that she was hating the fact that she got all of us worried…”
Zain grins – “ and she wouldn’t stop apologizing in messages…on whatsapp..”,and he hugs Arnav too and he states – “ not your fault..not your fault at all hoodie guy…”,and he pulls back.
Asher smiles as he pulls Arnav into a hug too – “ and well, hoodie guy…we know when It comes to you Khushi seesaws in between two speactrums…you are her strength but also her vulnerability…just like it is for you…so…how could you even think that anyone of us will misunderstand the situation ever…after us knowing you both the way we do…relax…hoodie guy…you sunshine will be fine..soon…her minds totally back to its usual mode…I mean…her messages do reflect that surely..the reason why she left it to us in the first place..and wait…on that note ..i have a question…”,and he pulls back now and states looking at Zara and Zain , amused recalling a fond memory – “and wait guys…what was that..zara, zain remember…remember how she made that doctor laugh after the MRI a long time ago…when she woke up..asking him if her brain was wired up normal…”,and everyone chuckles now and Zara asks looking at Arnav and everyone – “ so hoodie guy..and you all…why don’t you tell us what amusing antics has Khushi pulled on the doctors and nurses here already…we are so sure there are some…her food wont get digested otherwise…”
Everyone now shares a warm laugh and takes their seats and Anjali now starts to fill in everyone about how the Nurses on her duty are like bigger fan of Khushi now than they are of ASR.
………………………..
30 Minutes Later
Khushi feels her eyes flutter open, and she uses the remote button to help her bed halfway up and her eyes fall on the clock on the wall and she’s hoping that everyone from Cape Town went home first to get some rest and freshen up and then come here – and she was just picking up on her phone from the side desk to text Arnav that she was now awake – right when she sees that the Curtain to her divided side gets pushed a little and she spots Arnav and she smiles and she puts her phone aside and opens her arms to Him and gestures him to come Hug her and Arnav shoves back the curtain back into its place and then walks up to Khushi’s side immediately and he engulfs her in his arms lovingly and Khushi hugs him as she states lovingly – “ hey you...my hoodie guy..I was just about to text you that I am awake...I slept so well....I mean right in the middle of the day but the darkened ambience with the blinds rolled down helped....I feel like so fresh.. I think I slept for a good three hours atleast...since I think I did doze off by like 10ish no..and it’s a little over 1pm now.....”
Arnav smiles as he sits next to her on the bed and kisses her forhead lovingly and he asks cupping her face- “ you feel better Sunshine???the pain???as in I know your softwares are all back in their mode but I’m concerned about your hardware too....so so so concerned...is the back pain any better?and the ankle? And what about your elbow?”,he asks and kissing on her spasm around her elbow, - “ and headache?? Your forhead??”,and he kisses on her forhead and head lovingly too
Khushi smiles as she admits with a grin cupping his face enjoying the love he was showering on her and she says – “ see I told you...you keep showering my injuries with all this love...they will all heal up magically Hoodie guy.....and yes I am feeling much better...and to be honest quite better...I think I will ask the sister to push the Painkiller shot a little as in...I think I can bear this a little more...I will ask her for it...when needed...”
Arnav hugs her hard now and he states relieved- “ godammit Sunshine...you have no idea how glad I am to hear that..”
Khushi hugs him and she pulls back and states softly looking into his eyes – “ why are you whispering Hoodie guy??”
Arnav chuckles as he admits – “ well you do know I am like super greedy when it comes to you...everyone already here on the other side...no one went home...they came straight here from the airport...and I told them I was just going to check on u if you were still sleeping and use the washroom and then get back to them...and thankfully you woke up too so I thought let me steal some minutes with you alone...for once I tell everyone that you will be awake...I wont get any alone time with you until much much later...”
Khushi grins in excitement and she whispers back – “ wait...what??? Everyones here...oh my god...I cant wait to meet them all..and you know what you are right I wont get any time with you alone until much later then Hoodie guy..so how about you give me a little incentive right now...”
Arnav grins as he kisses her nose, and then her bandaged forhead and her bandaged scales hand lovingly as he asks – “ oh yeah? You want an incentive? What is it Sunshine?
Khushi kisses his cheek and she states – “ I’m upping my negotiations right now Hoodie guy..you either kiss me now...or I wont eat Lunch...”
Arnav gapes at her amused as he states – “ that is so uncalled for...Sunshine...we had a deal previously...I see that aching IV Cannula off your hand and that is when you will get your kiss..you are cheating....sunshine...”
Khushi narrows her eyes at him as she states – “ ohh no way that’s not cheating ok Hoodie guy it’s like a surprise twist because I eont get alone time with you until later tonight....and I need a kiss right here right now..even if its brief.. or you forget about me eating any lunch at all...”,and she knows the look she gave him has just won her the momentary victory.
Arnav groans as he looks at Khushi and cups her face gently and whispers against her lips – “ ok fine...you win Sunshine...have it your way but since this is cheating...a brief single lip kiss for you right now...no carnaging deep kisses for you until later tonight..And that too only if you are much better by then...until then please make ado with these brief kisses....”
Khushi grins as she cups his faces and caresses his beard with both her hands lovingly- “ deal Hoodie guy...deal..”,and Arnav immediately closes his lips over Khushis in a intent emotional lip lock and then kisses her briefly in their single lower lip and upper lip movements for about 30 seconds...as each of them pour their intense emotions for the other into it and Khushi pulls on his hair and shes about to turn the kiss into a deep one right when Arnav pulls away chuckling and he kisses her nose – “ ohh you dammit...youv learnt well...look at you trying to act all smart with me....”
Khushi gives him a disappointed look as she stares with a loving sulk – “ yeah right..as if you would let me....”
Arnav kisses her forhead as he whispers looking into her eyes I intently – “ just get fine soon Sunshine..I mean hardware wise too..and i promise to make up for this...”
Khushi grins as she hugs him hard – “ ohh yipppeeee Hoodie guy..”
Arnav hugs her – “ ok so how about I tell everyone that you are awake now...theyv been dying to meet you....”
Khushi pulls back as she states lovingly- “ why dont you carry me in your arms to the other side Hoodie guy..I do want to get out of the bed for a bit...”
Arnav grins – “ your wish is my command Love...” and he immediatley scoops her in his arms lovingly and possesively and protectively and Khushi wraps her hands around his neck too and He Carrie’s her to the other side now.
..........
Khushi wipes her happy overwhelmed tears as she hugs everyone one by one and assures them all that she is doing much better...Raima aunty hugs her for a good five minutes...so does uncle...Rahul and Diya embrace her in a longer group hug too and then so do Zara and Zain as they hold Khushi close for five minutes and then Asher sidehugs Khushi too wishing her the best of recovery...and Khushi then turns to meeting Mom,dad,Ravi and Dadi too...holding onto each closely and assuring them too that she was feeling much much better indeed.
And everyone was super happy at seeing Khushi feel better ofcourse and Khushi then takes her seat on the dining area and she looks at everyone and she asks with a grin - “ my board games...please tell me you got them ..”
Ravina chuckles as she picks up a paper bag and she states – “ yes Khushi beta...ofcourse.. we have all that you asked for...chess..ludo...monopoly..and scrabble too...”
Ravi chuckles – “ I made sure we had all on the list..little sister..”
Arun grins – “ and I am very thrilled by the idea of a hospital picnic actually...”
Dadi grins – “ yes...and I am so disappointed that Khushi beta you were not around three years ago when I had my knew surgery...I would have loved to play games with you in my hospital time...”,and Dadi looks at Arnav as she states – “ and you my dearest grandson I can’t beleive you met Khushi so late..look at all the time I missed with her...”
Everyone shares a warm laugh amongst themselves..Now.
Rahul, diya, look at everyone as they state – “ I mean this will be a first for us too...look at what all this donkey makes us do...she wants us to have a board game marathon right here...in the hospital..”
Zara and Zain and Asher chuckle too as they state – “ this would be a first for us too...khushi...you never asked us off this on your previous hospital visits..”
Khushi chuckles as she states looking at everyone – “ I know I know guys...what can i say no..my crazy head gives me so many different thoughts all the time...so yes...anyway...dad..we need to play chess and then I’m going to play ludo with Dadi.. and then ofcourse another round of my favourite snakes and LADDERS too...and the rest of you all can play Monopoly too...guys this will be so so so much fun...”
Arnav chuckles but he states concerned – “ sunshine I understand that you are happy and excited But love I need you to rest too..the maximum you are sitting up on one go is an hour...and then you rest ok? In the meanwhile we shall continue with your boardgame picnic idea, be rest assured...”
Khushi groans as she narrows her eyes at Arnav – “ ohooo...ok ok...hoodie guy..have it your way then...” ,and she sticks out her tongue at Arnav as she states – “ you play Monopoly hoodie guy....let me play my chess and snakes and LADDERS..”
Everyone chuckles and Ravina and Raima grin and Ravina says– “ well since khushis message this morning got us so so excited...as she reminded us thsts it’s just ten days to the wedding...Raima, and me also have some discussions to do about the wedding preps in between which we shall carry on too...”
And Arnavs heart swells with Love and Happinness as he takes in the scene and the Happy vibe in the air and he realises that maybe His Sunshine wasnt just the Light of His Life...she was most surely the Light of His familys life too along with being the Sparkle of her familys and friends Lives from CAPE Town too.
..............................
Hours Later
5.00 PM
Asher hangs up the conference call that He and Zain had stepped out to Make from the outside seating area on the hospital floor...about 45 minutes Ago with regards to some business matters back in Cape Town and he grins at Zain – “ well that went well now didnt it??”
Zain grinned back – “ it was great..and I think it’s good we closed on this discussion now..because more within a day or two everyone will be getting ready for the Xmas Holidays so we can actually just focus on enjoying Hoodie guys and Khushis wedding...”
Asher smiles as he nods – “ I am glad she is ok and is recovering too...well like ASR stated her softwares are back to its original versions...but her Hardwares need the rest...and I’m glad she had that Nap after lunch before Cap and Sachi Maam and little Zoya and the Coach came in too see her...as we were stepping out to make this call...”
Zain grins – “ and I am now rushing my way back into the room...because I do want to chat up with Cap for a bit too...I think they’ll be leaving soon...”
Asher nods and he states his eyes falling on the llittle and eatery Kiosk on the Floor with the Cafe – “ and I shall join you in five minutes...I need my cup of Tea..”
Zain grins and patts his shoulder and makes his way down the corridor towards Khushis suite.
Asher makes his way to the little Kiosk and he orders his Tea and by the time his tea is getting ready..he uses the time to answer some emails and once the server tells him that His tea was Served...he nods and thanks him and smiles to himself as his hands reach out to pick out three sachets of Sugar for his Tea..and the reason why he smiled was because he just remembered His Ammi and his elders sisters words in his ears – “ Oh thank god Asher...that you only have to cups of tea in a day or else three full spoons of sugar in your tea everytime..god only knows how you arent diabetic already..we still dont know how you can have so much sugar in your tea....”
And He continued to smile to himself as he went on to add two sachets of sugar in his tea and right when he was about to add the third one he heard a cheerful voice next to him – “ please go ahead and add the third sachet of sugar in your tea and make me feel like that I am not the only one who prefers to have so much sugar in my tea everytime...trust me iv never met anyone who would prefer three full sachets of sugar In a 250ml cup of tea..my ammi says that my sugar preference in tea is quite strange...”
Asher looks up to see a beautiful woman standing next to him dressed in a black long kurta and denims and her hair left open to one sides, and she had pretty eyes and a beautiful face and a natural smile up her face , and Asher gave her a polite smile as he finished adding the third sachet to his tea and he stated with a polite smile – “ there you go..added the third sachet right in...and just so you know...my ammi thinks the same...thst my sugar preference in tea is quite strange..and well so does my elder sister as a matter of fact..”,and the girl smiles at him naturally and orders a tea for herself too and she looks at him as she states – “ and I am glad...that after all these years...I finally meet someone who prefers the same flavour of tea as mmine....”, and Asher chuckles right when the server serves up her tea too and she goes on to add three sachets of sugar to one by one with gesturing to Asher - see-you-know-what-I-mean...and once shes done stirring it up she says holding the cup up to cheers to Asher – “ to three spoonfuls of sugar then..”
Asher smiles on reflex as he cheers his cup to her – “ I have never cheered to that before...so yes...to three spoonfuls of sugar...and hello to you...my name is Asher Khan..”, and takes a sip of his tea
And she grins as she says stopping midway in between her sip of tea and she places the cup on the side as she states with a grin – “and apart from the three spoonfuls of sugar taste in our tea...we share the same last name too...Mr.Asher...I am Manizeh Khan..now please dont tell me you are a doctor too...because that would be a freaky coincidence...and wait is Delhi your hometown too..”
Asher grins as he states honestly- “ well no...I am not a doctor...I am a businessman...and I am from Cape Town...i am here for a friends wedding..and one of my friends admitted for she faced some injuries in a accident..shes in suite 1107...”
Manizeh grins as she says – “ 1107..that would be Khushi...correct and you are obviously here for ASR and Khushis wedding...well I was just with them..in the room too..I stopped by to meet her..”
Asher gives her a puzzled look – “ you know Khushi? Wait are you like her doctor?”
Manizeh smiles – “ well not hers technically...but yes I am a physiotherapist and I work very closely with the Men in Blue...as in I am their head physios assistant..iv known ASR for a couple of years now...”
Asher smiles as he asks– “ really??were you in SA for the world cup?we met the support team too...didnt spot you there..”
Manizeh smiles –“ well yes..missed that.. ammi wasnt well...”
Asher says instantly- “ I hope shes ok now...”
Manizeh nods – “oh yes she is...”,and she pauses as she says – “ ohhh wait....iv been looking at you and it’s like I feel a familiarity like iv spotted you somewhere...and iv been trying to place it in my head...oh yes...in the major reveal...after the final...you were tight there..and then later on during the live chat too when someone questioned about something being printed in the news in capetown in papers about you and Khushi....and the way entire men in blue roasted the tweet that said they’d prefer a romance between you and ASR instead...you are the same Asher Khan arent you??? “
Asher smiles politely as he admits taking a sip of his tea again- “ yes the very same...Asher Khan..”
Manizeh smiles politely – “ i think there were pictures of that media article all over too right...and iv seen them too..and I hope you ok...”
Asher looks at her puzzled as he asks – “ why would you ask me that??”
Manizeh looks at him sheepishly – “ now I’m thinking I shouldn’t have asked you that.. chuck it..”
Asher – “ no cmon tell me...”
Manizeh smiles – “ well like I said if seen the pictures in a rush too and now that I recall the visual .you did seem like you are really into Khushi in them...so thsts why i asked...you know As in...the situation...right now..I hope I havent offended you though.. ”
Asher smiles as he admits – “ well no offense taken.. and yes I’m ok...it is what is right...khushi was always her Hoodie guys...and i am happy for them...i really am...and to be honest seeing them so happy with each other helps...it helped me a lot...coped up pretty well now...and I wish Them.nothing but the best
.”
Manizeh smiles as she nods- “ I understand...as in I know what you mean??”
Asher asks inquisitively – “ you do???”
Manizeh nods with a smile as she sips her tea – “ well let’s just say I was iv been in a similar spot...and the fact that hes so happily married now and settled has only helped as I wish them nothing but the best always too...”
Asher looks at her as he sips his tea, and just as he was about to say something, they spot Cap,Sachi maam and Zoya and Ravi walk out and Cap says – “ manizeh we are leaving now.. join us...we will drop you on the way...”
Manizeh nods as she gives Asher a smile and says – “ thanks Cap that would be lovely...”
Ravi grins as he says – “ Asher do you know Manizeh was the one who saved Khushi from all that ganging up on her in the cafe...”
Cap smiles – “ yes and helped us all the way until we could get her to the hospital too...”
Asher looks at Manizeh as he smiles – “ really??? “.He was grateful to her for coming to Khushis escape, and he says – “ thank you...we all are grateful...”
Manizeh smiles- “ well yes...I mean I would have liked to meet zkhushi under different circumstances but I am glad I was there...”
Sachi maam smiles at Asher – “ and once Khushi is better...we are all catching up...ofcourse...in a place that isnt a hospital...I mean although I did get very impressed by the hospital picnic ambience in the room....khushi is adorable.. ”
Ravi grins – “ well that’s my little sister...totally still thinking of asking mom and dad to adopt her legally...”
Everyone laughs.
Cap chuckles – “ well I have never enjoyed snakes and ladder as much as I did right now...and I am also glad that ASR asked her to rest for a bit now...”
Ravi nods – “ yes Cap...the frequent rest will help in between...”
Cap shakes hands with Asher – “ ok then Asher...we will see you around...then..”
Asher nods and greets Cap and his family too and Ravi says – “ asher I’ll just see them off and come...”
Asher nods.
Manizeh smiles ar Asher as she says – “ bye then Asher...see you around...”
Asher smiles – “ see you Manizeh...”, and everyone leaves and Asher returns to sipping the remaining of his Three Spoonfulls of Sugar -Tea with a smile in his face.
..................
TWO HOURS 15 MINUTES LATER
715 PM – AT THE HOSPITAL SUITE
Khushi keeps down the phone and smiles to herself as she takes a deep breathe and looks at her reflection in the mirror of the bathroom.
And The Reason she Smiles? - Is because she had woken up about Five Minutes ago from her Nap at around 5 pm – feeling as fresh as ever and she was feeling much better too…and even though she had not asked the sister had administered the second painkiller shot at around 5pm before her nap on Arnav’s request anyway once Cap, and his family had left after meeting her and she had slept well after and just as she had woken up she could hear the hushed voices coming of her loving friends and family from the suite voice and this time around she wanted to see if she could walk to the washroom herself, for the pain in her ankle and back was also getting better and she had been able to walk successfully and now she was so excited to walk to the other side of the suite too herself.
And she was also Excited – because Now was the Time – to talk to everyone about what her mind had been at all day since Morning – for she couldn’t wait anymore – the Ideas had struck her in the afternoon itself – but still she hadn’t talked about until now for a reason and was waiting for the right time and now was the right time – for after receiving the call she had just received five minutes ago and hearing what she had on the other line – she was now more sure than ever of her Suggestion – that Totally would feel like Turing on the Light atleast in one Case!
Khushi takes deep breathes as she thinks – Thank you Daddy and Mommy and Krish…for everything you taught me – stays with me even today and its these Memories that give me Power in this way!
And she now splashed cold water on her face three times over and she grins to herself as she tells herself – Cmon Khushi this is it – the moment of truth – lets see how everyone reacts to your Ideas Now.
……………
Arnav smiles and chuckles along with everyone as Rahul just finished narrating – one of Khushis mischevious tales from childhood and right then his eyes fall on the Curtain being shoved aside from the other side of the suite and he spots His Sunshine now making her way towards them all – with a wonderful smile up her face.
Arnav gets up immediately from the sofa as he strides to Khushi’s side and he cups her face lovingly and holds her arm from the side and he whispers – “ Sunshine…why didn’t you text me? You sure you can walk??”
Khushi smiles lovingly as she kisses his hand – “ you bet I can….Hoodie guy…I mean a little bit pain…but the hardware status is much better…”
Arnav chuckles as he says kissing her forhead – “ you want to have some juice or something love?? Before dinner??”
Khushi nods – “ no Love il sip on some water…whilst I talk to everyone…I just want to talk to you and everyone right now Love…it will be dinner time soon after..ill just have dinner then..they did say they would send up dinner by 815ish right..”
Arnav smiles as he looks at her in a knowing look – “ ohk then Sunshine..come on..atleast I can hold your hand while you walk up to sit with everyone right?”
Khushi nods lovingly and she laces her hands with Arnav and they both now walk towards everyone and Arnav reduces his pace to match Khushi’s slightly slower and limping one.
Meanwhile – everyone – as in – Uncle, Aunty, Rahul , Diya, Asher, Zain , Zara, Mom, Dad, Anjali, Ravi and Dadi – all of them were enjoying witnessing the loving display of affection in between of Arnav and Khushi with a heartfelt smile on their faces ,and Ravi now pulls up a chair for Khushi as he states – “ cmon then…sit here…little sister…”
Khushi grins – “ thank you Ravi..when did Coach sir leave?”
Ravi grins – “ about an hour ago…while you were still asleep…he wishes well..he says he will be back tomorrow to see you..”
Khushi nods and as she states looking at Arnav – “ love will you sit a little sideways across from me ..and I want everyone to just huddle up her around this living space – for I have something very important to talk to you all…”
Arnav nods and pulls up another one of the Dining chairs and places it next toa little sideways across of Khushi and takes his seat and everyone takes their seat around the living sofas – each of them exchanging a knowing look with each other, knowing that Khushi is now going to want to talk about the after affect of everything that had happened yesterday.
Khushi looks at the loving, smiling faces of everyone and she gestures Arnav to give her his hand and he does and she laces their fingers together and Anjali hands her two bottles of water with a wink as she says – “ here you go…your water Sunshine..”
Khushi smiles as she thanks Anjali with a smile and sips on four gulps of water and looks at everyone as she states, keeping the bottle at the center table – “ ok first thing out..everyone…I know I have said this before but I need to start with this…I am sorry…as in…in panic it was like all my switches turned off and I also put Arnav in danger…and worried all of you too…and I know Dad…Arnav…a part reason why you both are like so so so mad and worried about this whole situation is because I was Injured amidst it all…and I want to apologize for that…as in..this injury was totally my fault..i take full responsibility of my actions…”
Arun smiles as he gets up from his spot and asks Ravina to let him sit on the single seater sofa next to Arnav and he kisses Khushis forhead and he says – “ and you don’t need to apologize…we understand why you did what you did…ok?”
Ravina smiles as she takes Arun seat on the other sofa next to Dadi and she states – “ we know Khushi beta we know…”
Everyone now tells her the same thing one by one and Khushi smiles at everyone as she states happily – “ mommy, daddy, krish…you are all watching this aren’t you?? Look at how much everyone loves me…thank you for sending angels my way…”,and she now looks at Arnav as she states – “ love..im sorry once again…for putting you through emotional mess when you were already facing a storm professionally…”,and Arnav kisses on Khushis hand as he states with a loving gesture – that she did not need to keep saying that to him.
Khushi now takes a deep breathe as she states – “ ok so im sure you all know that I want to discuss the after affect of whatever happened…right as in I know from all of you what has happened, and please know this…Arnav I am with you on seeking to get those girls to realise the fact that they were so wrong in attacking me like that in the café…because they need to realise that they cannot just gang up that way on anyone…its so so so unfair..i mean if Manizeh hadn’t helped us out…so yeah…on that I think we are all on the same page…but I want to discuss the other two very important after affects..dad…you filing that 100crore lawsuit on the media house and then ofcourse how my hoodie guy is so hurt that feels like he wants to make this rumour a reality..”
And everyone nods and looks at Khushi in anticipation and a inquisitive emile up there faces and Khushi says with a smile - “ ok so since I mentioned Krish…do you all know why do I love snakes and ladders so much??”
Rahul smiles as he says – “ because krish used to love it..”
Diya grins – “ his all time favourite..”
Uncle and Aunty chuckle at the fond memory and Khushi now looks at Arnav and Arun and everyone else as she smiles at the find memory – “ you know Dad…krish would all the time keep forcing me and daddy to play with him ok? And obviously we couldn’t say no – but you know the reason why I am bringing this up now – is because all day today – iv been remembering everything my daddy used to say to me whilst we used to play these two boardgames chess and snakes and ladders so very often – in like all moments of my memories and bits and pieces here and there – but today – its like all of those things combined together – have led me to this Switch that is going to Bring Out Light – just as we switch it on…in this situation…”
Arnav and Arun give her a loving smile and gesture her to continue and so does everyone now and Khushi says with a loving smile – “ you know what Dad..Arnav..everyone..whenever we would play Snakes and Ladder with Krish…daddy would often tell me – Khushi beta…life is pretty much like this boardgame of snakes and ladders…the roll of a dice comes as moments in time as we go on each day…sometimes the dice leads us to a ladder/an opportunity and sometimes an obstacle in the form of the snake – as it takes you down many steps but we keep playing nonetheless don’t we until we reach the destination of Home – which in this case would be 100..and then you know sometimes for fun daddy would often reverse the game for us and he would say – Khushi krish – use the snake as a ladder and the ladder as a snake and the finish point is the start point – and he would say to me then – Khushi sometimes – when you turn the picture upside down the entire meaning changes and such is the same with Life too – and you what everyone – after they passed…daddys words always stayed with me..and I realised pretty much on my own…that the emotions we experience as humans are like snakes and ladders too right as in – the ladder would be all the happy positive emotions as they elevate our hearts and beings and the snakes would be the negative ones for they pull our Heart down , and in such moments I think that’s why a part of my subconscious always kept telling me– that give the moment its due and feel it out…cry it out…its ok to be disappointed but then Khushi always focus on reversing the boardgame – use the snake to elevate your way up with love, happiness and positivity – for now more so ever with time I have realised this one thing over time – that Happiness and Positive decisions are a choice…and its upto us whether we make them or not and that’s why..i always have foucsed on making the best of every snake that comes my way in this boardgame of life…you know like just always focus on drawing the bigger line next to the smaller one and the smaller one will loose its significance anyway..and ofcourse ever since I met Arnav…I always say…that my focus will always be on turning on the light too right…”
Everyone looks at Khushi in awe and Arun says – “ I wish I could have met your daddy Khushi…”
Arnav – “ I wish I met daddy too…”
Khushi smiles – “ I know…I wish the same..but hes in me..his thoughts…his memories..his wisdom…he imparted it to me..right…so thank you daddy…for that…”,and she turns a little sideways to look at Arnav as she states clutching on his hand lovingly – “ love…I know..right now it feels like – that youv been bitten by that huge snake right before 100 you know the one that’s always stationed around 98 or 99..”,and everyone chuckles and Khushi looks into Arnav eyes as she continues – “you know the one we all hate being bitten by..but I want to tell you…that you can use the power off your golden heart and turn the picture around…turn it around and use the same very snake to climg your way back up in your emotion and in your heart…”,and she pauses and Arnav looks at her in puzzlement and awe and he states – “ please elaborate Sunshine…”
Khushi chuckles and she says – “ ok ok…wait..ill talk to dad first..and then I will come to you..”
Arnav nods with a inquisitive smile up his face.
Khushi looks at Arun and she says – “ dad…we play chess everyday…so you know how sometimes a pawn has a power to check mate the King…right?? I mean just two days ago – you won with that move against me ..remember??”
Arun nods with a smile – “ yes Khushi..i remember..”
Khushi smiles as she states – “ and I know dad…you are so angry with the media house for being so so so irresponsible for the way they acted for its their act that created all this hue and cry…and I was so so so angry too when I first saw the coverage on TV but you know what dad…just about a couple of minutes ago – I spoke to the one person -who was kind of like that small pawn in this case – you know to understand his side of the story..because there are always two sides right dad..”
Ravi gives everyone a sheepish smile as he states – “ she means.that she spoke to the reporter who bomabarded this news out..she asked me to get hold on the Number ASR..dont be mad at me…shes my little sister..and she asked me for help with a face that I couldn’t say no to..and I knew she was upto thinking something…so…yeah…”
Anjali clutches on Ravis hands in a gesture of asking him not to worry and Arnav nods at him in acknowledgement too and eeveryone tells Ravi not to worry about it and Khushi now states – “ so before I spoke to this reporter…like yesterday I was very angry too only natural…because he totally was like that pawn who had come out of the blue and check- mated My Hoodie Guy and Cap too because it brewed up such a huge professional storm for him..but you know what dad..after I spoke to him I realised that we can reverse this game too – soo I asked him outright..that why would he do such a thing ..report something that wasn’t true and he was all like – I didn’t mean to cause such harm..our bosses have us all going around for stories for trp…because the media house is facing a financial crunch and we are all on the verge of some massive slashes in the HR…half of us might loose our jobs…so theres so much cut throat competition over – who reports what – whose story creates the maximum trps…so that we meet targets…and I am just looking out for my family..because I really really need this job…because there are rumours that a new management might come in too and they will decide whom to keep and whom to slash on the basis of our targets achieved right…and I just reported the news to my bosses and even asked them if I should reconfirm this with another source – but the decision to run the story was all theirs – it wasn’t in my hands, and he apologized as well Dad…so when I put down the phone I felt like we can turn this around dad , in the sense…definetly take an action for what the bosses did was totally irresponsible journalism and they misused the power in their hands…but what I am saying is …lets act out of love and positivity…im suggesting instead of a 100 crore lawsuit…why not use that amount in Acquiring this Media House…because dad…the lawsuit will break the organisation yes..they may not be able to withstand the financial brunt and the channel will close down maybe – but so many other innocent people will have to face the brunt no – the people who were just going about doing their jobs – will loose their source of income …if their organisation goes down – so instead I suggest – You use that Amount to Acquire this Media House because you are in the position of power to fight back , why not use this as a opportunity to help out a zillion others who are not in a position to fight back too…and once the acquisition goes through maybe keep the same mid level -execution team too – keep the same team im not saying that any one must be fired or something – but what I am saying is that with a positive leadership change – why not set an example of responsible journalism…build a working culture in the field – where everyone realises that the power in their hands is a double edge sword and they must act responsibly no matter what…you can build this business culture dad… we all know you are so strong in your ethics and morals when it comes to business…so why not turn this into an opportunity and use it ethically to bring back light on the long forgotten fact that – the pen is mightier than the sword….lets definitely checkmate the Media House dad..…but with love…and not Hate or anger..for a law suit will just be a temporary negative solution and it will not reflect the message that we want to convey…where as an acquisition will be a long term positive solution – no innocent people will loose their jobs and instead it gives the Raizada industries an opportunity to venture into a vertical it hasn’t stepped into and at the same time – definetly focus on building a team and a working culture that brings the essense of responsible journalism back…let us set an example of the fact that there is always another way too….let us set an example by drawing a bigger line dad…why must be stoop down to the level of legal battles etc…when we can get what we want this way…”
Arun Raizada looks at Khushi gobsmacked and amazed and awed and he states in sheer awe – “ and I have to admit this outright Khushi…that my gut intuition was right then all long…I menat it when I said it that you are the one I want to train as my right hand…for I most definetly didn’t even think of that….bloody brilliant…daughter…bloody brilliant…”
Arnav kisses on Khushis hands as he states proudly – “ Sunshine…how did you even forsee an opportunity in there…and that too with a vision like that..you are bloody amazing..”
Dadi instantly gets up from her seat and she hugs Khushi instantly and she states to all after kissing her forehad lovingly – “ your grandfather is surely dancing up there in heaven Arnav…for today the words out of Khushis mouth have reminded me off him…he would always say- just focus on your mind and intelligence to wade around the world of business and make the most of opportunities…but the trick is that one who is able to keep their heart in its right place all along the way – is the one who will have the fuel in their being to go on longer nonetheless for it’s a better Choice all along the way…and I am so so so proud of you Khushi…and we are all sure that with You along with Arun, ravina and Anjali on board…we have nothing to worry…this grandson of mine can return to the pitches without any worries…”
All of Khushis near and dear ones give her happy , overwhelmed smile – each of them so proud of her in the moment and Rahul says with a heartfelt smile – “ oh shoot ya donkey…after those wise words from you…I don’t think I have it my heart to call you donkey anymore…but you know what its ok..you will always be my donkey…”,he winks at Khushi.
And everyone laughs.
Asher and Zain in unison – “ arun uncle you have no idea how much we have benefitted on our financial managements because of the way Khushi approaches things…her advices have been on point and amazing..”
Uncle and Aunty hug Khushi too and so do Zara and Diya and then Anjali and Ravi hug her too and Ravina states proudly – “ my Khushis heart is a goldmine and I am so so proud of you beta for thinking this way…im telling you – you by the side of this Mr senior Raizada is exactly whats going to help us roar to newer heights..”
Arun grins – “ and the first thing out as I step out of here…is going to be a call to my legal time – to talk to the owners for a buyout – 100 percent acquisition…instead of the law suit – because rightly said Khushi is they are in a crunch I am sure they are looking out for other buyers anyway…that’s why the talks about a new management coming in too…come here my daughter I need to hug you…you just turned on a amazing light for Us…”
Khushi immediately gets up and hugs Arun and then she smiles at everyone and she thanks them and all the while Arnav is beaming at her in happiness and finally she takes her seat across from sideways from Arnav and she laces her hands back with his and she looks into his eyes and she states – “ love…for once just minus the fact of me getting hurt from this picture for that was my fault…I take full responsibility as I mentioned before…but what I am suggesting to you is – that I know you feel like youv been bit by that snake and you feel like all down in the dumps and it makes you feel like that the country looks at you all as just sport entertainment tools and not humans at all – but I say…why not flip around this picture for once and look back at from where you started…each of you for that matter in the team…dawned the blue jersey because of the Love for Cricket in the first place…for the love of the game…you Bleed Blue dammit…you always did…well technically obviously the blood is red…but you know what I mean..they do call you all the Men in Blue for a reason…”
Arnav smiles and chuckles and so does ravi as he adds – “ yeah…I know what you mean…I mean if we get a cut..maybe the blood that flows out will be Blue indeed in emotion surely…”
Khushi nods and she looks at Arnav and kisses his hand – “ Love…I know you are disapoointed over what happened…only natural…but I think its time to reverse the picture and instead use this moment as a opportunity too as in – take a stand , I mean this isn’t new – the media or the people for that matter bashing partnerd for your decisions, slow in performance…etc…why not discuss this out like openly and state how much this kind of disappoints each one of you…I know its happened with Cap..its happened with so many of our other players too on the current team..so many players before that…why don’t each of you use this as a opportunity to express your emotions on the same..as in not through social media because you most definetly cant go down to one on one..but like Cap said – he will speak once and for all in a press conference – I say If you all of you the men in blue join hands with your Captain and take a stand together against all this – I think it will have more impact…express what you feel I mean…I mean the public looks at you as heros and maybe sometimes they need to see that heros have vulnerabilities too right…there is a strength in that too – its what makes us human…and not just that..why does a press coneference be just one way…make it two ways – talk to the media..address the public, listen some of theres but also make sure that you all get your word out there together too..i mean a full fist has a greater impact than just a couple of fingers together and I am not saying this will stop…it wont…but still…we can only hope that once this message reaches out – people have it in their hearts to have some more faith…”
Arnav looks at Khushi gobsmacked and he says softly – “ Sunshine…”
And Khushi gestures him to stop as she says softly – “ wait hoodie guy…this is the most important bit..hear me out…so do you remember your very own words after the world cup win – you said something like – for India with Love…remember?”
Arnav nods and Khushi smiles and continues – “ look at the way you love me Hoodie guy…am I perfect? No…I mean you are obviously biased when It comes to me because you love me so much…but what I mean to say is that – when we met – I was dealing with so so so much within right? My fears, my grief, my phobias, all that emotional bagagage…did it stop you from loving me?? No ..instead you helped me unpack all that baggae love…and so so so beautifully that I say this with great conviction today that you love has healed me…and that’s why I say to you today….that so what.. if peoples perceptions don’t change… even if they don’t change their views, even If they look at each of you as just a sport entertainment tool..so what? You play for the country..because you love cricket…its been the love of your life and you have the honour of bbeing able to represent your country on the world stage and just think that all this anger all this emotion that comes along with the game is like this baggage..like you know a part of pacakage deal – you can’t pick and choose like you know how in a food hamper – you like ten things but don’t like the other three but you pick it up anyway because you love the taste of the other ten…so yea…just that way..think that this was a reaction…because at the end of the day people…love you…and your game…and they are so so so attached that they couldn’t help but panic and react that way…I mean hoodie guy…we all take funny decisions when we panic don’t we…? I think that’s what happened…everyone just got hyped up because of the uncertainty and fear of unknown for they didn’t know how to react..and to react to what?and I think its so so so amazing that all of you have been silent until now for sometimes it takes great courage to be silent when when you have a lots to say……but just like Cap said he will speak once and for all I think yes that would be the right time for all of you to join hands and express your disappointment over what each of you have faced on the personal front over the years with the hope that people understand that you are all humans too at the end of the day but at the same time…don’t let what happened deter you from playing the game you Love hoodie guy…for you dawned the jersey for the love of cricket and for the love for India – so for India and for Cricket – you gotta Still Hold that Bat High for we all know what cricket means to you…you know what cricket means to you…it’s a part of you…its always been that way…it will always be that way when you quit playing when the age comes, so turn on the light, reverse the snake and climg youe way back up in emotion because no matter what happened Hoodie guy … You love Your Game – for you know it in your heart that you Bleed Blue dammit…you will always Bleed Blue….”
Arnav looks at Khushi gobsmacked and he is speechless over everything she has made him feel with her words and he immediately gets up and pulls her into a Hug, engulfing her straight into his arms as he states in awe and daze – “ godammit you…godammit bloody you…you know exactly what words to say to me….youv always known what to say to me…don’t you Sunshine????”
Khushi hugs Arnav hard and she whispers lovingly in his ears – “ well …so tell me Hoodie guy are you convinced or not? Or you most definetly know I can speak more….”
Arnav chuckles as he kisses Khushi’s shoulder lovingly – “ well I most surely know you can do that…but I have to admit…the speech you gave was pretty convincing…”
Khushi continues to hug Arnav as she states – “ I love you Hoodie guy…and I know cricket is a part of you…it always will be…and its your love for the game that needs to be given the priority here…love tops It all…always…doesn’t it hoodie guy?? For Cricket with love…For India – with Love…”
Arnav hugs onto Khushi hard as he states – “ Love tops it all…Sunshine…yes godammit…Love tops it all…for cricket with Love …for India with Love”
Ravi grins as he says – “ perfect…just perfect..i anyway have a lot to speak …and so does shiv, kunal and cap…and yuvaan and singh…each of our personal lives have been bashed at somepoint in our lives…infact all of us…even the legends of the game…in the past…let this press conference be the one in which we all stand united as One as we take a Stand as sportspersons, only expecting if nothing but respect and sportsmanship from the people in return…on behalf of not just any cricketer…but every sportsperson in the world…from any game for that matter…whose faced this..i mean look at how our womens team faces all the banter too all the time – some say – oh shes getting married her performance will get dropped, oh she returned to the sport after a maternity break – performance will drop etc etc…I mean the list is endless…and I think its about time – we point out that its fair to judge us on the baiss of the game we play on the field..while we are on the job…but why shove unnecessary criticism just for the fun off it…I am sure everyone is going to love this idea…I am most definetly discussing this with everyone…the minute I am in the car..”
Arun and Ravina hug each other in happiness as Arun says proudly – “ a diamond at heart…our beautiful Khushi…I told you all…shes our solution to everything and I must say Arnav says this often that Khushi was made exclusively for him and I say this with great conviction that she wasn’t just made as a perfect fit for his heart …you my daughter are destined to be a pperfect fit into our family too…we are so so so proud of you Khushi beta…”
And each of Khushis near and dear ones now hug her hard too one by one for they couldn’t express the Happiness in words – the Happiness they had just witnessed in the vibe in the Moment of time – that their Khushi was truly loved and cherished by every member of the Raizada family and they all knew it in their hearts – that Khushi was their Angel who deserved nothing but the best always – and they were so proud of the fact that no matter how many Obstacles or Snakes come her Way – their Khushi knew very well – how to use the power of Her Intelligent mind and Beautiful and Golden Heart and Turn the Boardgame of Life -Around – making the Snake her Ladder!
…………………………………………………………
Twenty Minutes Later
Khushi smiles at the Nurse as she finishes checking on her vitals and states with a grin – “ you are doing so much better today aren’t you Khushi? Its on your face …and on your familys too…while they left…”
Khushi grins as she says – “ yes sister…feeling a lot better than yesterday still in pain here and there but bearable…and I am so glad everyone listened to me and left for Home theyd been here all day sister…and especially half of them came in staright here from the airport you know since they landed from Cape Town…”
Sister smiles as she finishes checking up on the medical stuff for Khushi – “ they all love you so so very much…and so do you its on your face we wish you and ASR nothing but the best…so your IV drips have been removed and I will come back to redo the dressing in a bit for your hand and forhead and your sprained ankle…but after dinner maybe??should I send it in for you now??”
Khushi smiles – “ sister please send in my dinner fifteen minutes later…and also if you’d help with ordering something for ASR too in the meanwhile…”
Sister nods and she smiles at Khushi and she states – “ ill ask them to bring both your meal in together…you ok in that sitting position or do you want me to adjust the bed down”
Khushi - “ no worries sister..i think I want to sit up halfway this way for a bit..i will lie down later…”
Sister nods and leaves.nods
And right then Khushi smiles as she sees Her Hoodie Guy walk back in with a smile up his face as he rushes to her bedside and engulfs her in a hug as he states – “ godaamit you Sunshine….you are bloody magic…bloody bloody magic…”,and he immediately kisses her forhead ten times over and then showers the same love on her cheeks too and her eyes and her nose and Khushi grins as she holds onto his arm and enjoyes the moment and she asks softly now cupping his face, with a smile– “ everybody gone love??im glad Anjlai agreed to go home tonight…”
Arnav chuckles as he kisses his Sunshines forhead lovingly and sits on the bed next to her upfront close – “ well I assured them that I am going to take full care of you Sunshine…and well they will all be back in the morning after breakfast..dadi was all like I have cancelled my music class I will immediately go to the hospital with everyone after breakfast too…look at all the magic youv pulled on my family too…they just cant stay away from you Sunshine…just like me…”
Khushi looks into Arnavs eyes and she kisses his hand – “ Hoodie guy…I love you so so so so much…”
Arnav kisses her hand as he says – “ you know what Sunshine…I think you aren’t just my Sunshine…you are my sun , moon, stars, everything, my freaking galaxy…my eternal calm…”
Khushi looks into his eyes now as she states softly – “ love…theres another thing I wanted to talk to you about..but I didn’t because I wanted to discuss that alone with you…”
Arnav nods, already kind of anticipating what was on Khushis mind , but he was waiting for her to say it out loud to him and he says kissing on her hand – “ go on then Sunshine…tell me…”
Khushi smiles as she kisses on his hand again – “ love…apart of what I said before…its like everyones reaction…the panic..the mobs, I think it kind of triggered because of the fact that there so much uncertainity , fear of unknown as in they are so emotionally invested into the game too and off late everyone in their heads has been kind off expecting Cap’s retirement too due to the age factors and the fact that they have no idea who will lead their beloved Men in Blue team next after – is what has triggered this sort of a reaction…so I think now that you look at it with the picture turned around – I think its time to address this issue..for it will bring security in their heads and hearts too…like see for example…remember when we knew we were heading for a difficult stretch of not seeing each other in real time for 11 months…I wanted to secure our hearts and that’s why I asked you to marry me then and there…so that in our hearts we were sure where we were heading too , because all that not seeing each other in real time was like a change right for us…but because we knew the direction we were heading towards we were secured in our hearts…similarly everyones so sceptical about the leadership change and …”,she pauses.
Arnav smiles to himself within , for he had expected Khushi to bring this up and he gestures her to go on and Khushi states kissing on his hand lovingly – “ love this is just a discussion , the final decision is obviously yours…but you know what deep down I have this gut intuition telling me that all of this happened so that it would be a trigger for you…as in because of your love for the game and the Honour for playing for the country…like for example…never in my mind until the moment of time when daddys restaurant burned down – did I ever believe I was ready to face letting it go – or dive into something else, but because my love for you was so strong it took over immediately and made me dive into all that I did – similarly I think If you look at it this way – all that what happened – is also a reflection of the emotion people have attached with you and your game too right…and the confidence too in your potential as the next leader…and then ofcourse not to forget the love you have for cricket…so maybe…I know you said you needed time to think this through…but maybe..after all that happened..I just think…”
Arnav grins as he kisses Khushis hand and looks into her eyes lovingly , completing her sentence for her – “ and so you think, that maybe the right time to announce Captaincy would be now… …is this what you want to say Sunshine??”
Khushi nods at him giving him a surprised look and Arnav now says with a smile – “ the thought did come in my mind Sunshine after your impressive and empowering words..i mean…your all…you bleed blue dammit…you will always bleed blue…and ofcourse you voicing out -for cricket with love…for india with Love…in the way you did..it kind of did trigger up this thought in my head too…”
Khushi chuckles as she asks – “ I was pretty convincing now wasn’t I hoodie Guy??”
Arnav chuckles as he kisses her forhead and then looks into her eyes – “ oh yes you bloody were…you lit up all these thoughts and emotions for my game in my head that it was insane…I mean how could I not get inspired and turn on the light…”,and he chuckles and cups Khushis cheeks lovingly – “ so listen to this Sunshine…how would you rate this for a loving twist …I mean rate this on 10 ok…im thinking im going to talk to Cap, Coach and BCCI and at the end of the press conference which we shall hold in a couple of days from now…Cap can announce his retirement plans too and at the same time…I shall announce the fact that on my 30th bday on the Feburary of 21st in the coming two months – is when I shall take over as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team – in all three formats…taking on the responsibility from the shoulders of my Golden skipper then…”
Khushi grins as she kisses his hand – “ I would rate this Loving twist a thousand/thousand…Hoodie Guy…”
Arnav grins and winks and he says – “ and wait what do you think of this Sunshine..i suggest everyone that we hold this conference on Xmas Morning…you know…we give it back for our disappointment surely in a loving way and then I announce my Captaincy plans..you know like a little Merry Xmas gift from my side…to the country where our sport is a Religion..a fanatic one…yes indeed…but a Religion nonetheless…and I love my Sport truly from the deep corners of my being, I always did..i always will…”
Khushi grins as she states – “ I know love…I know…and hence I agree that this would be like a perfect Gift my Love…just in time…for Xmas indeed…for India – with Love…Always..”
Arnav nods and grins – “For India – with Love…always..”
Khushi grins as she cups Arnav’s face lovingly – “ I love you so so so much…and I am so proud of you Love….”
And Arnav cups her face and looks at her lovingly – “ and I love you…I am devoted to you dammit…you are everything Sunshine…my everything…and now that I think about this…I do think ill be able to just relax and enjoy our wedding celebrations and more importantly our Honeymoon – without the axe of this Captaincy decision remaining pending on my Head – I think you are right Sunshine – it was probably Destined to be this way…”
Khushi smiles as she says – “and oh Hoodie guy…now that you mentioned the word Honeymoon yourself…I cant help but think of my Carnage sessions…and love…dinner will be here soon…so how about you kiss me now…briefly atleast …ok you know what for atleast five minutes…see now we have the privacy too…for a bit..and then the nurses will be around for all my dressings and we wont get time until much later……”,and before Khushi could respond Arnav closed his lips Over Her in a brief yet deep and a very very intense yet gentle emotional kiss , pouring his deep emotions into their passionate duels in between their lips always – and he snaked his one arm around her waist and pulled her close and Khushis hands went around his neck possessively as she kissed him back too with equal fervour and emotions.
She was holding onto him as if her life depended on Him.
He was Holding onto Her as if His Life depended on Her.
And in that beautiful vulnerable Moment - Arnav knew one thing for sure – a thing he could Claim to the World with a deep conviction of the Heart and Mind and the Being.
The One thing being -that He May Go on to become the Future Captain of the Indian Cricket team – but this woman in his arms – His Precious Innocent and Magical Sunshine – was undoubtedly the Only Destined Captain of the Ship of His Life and Heart.
……………………………………
Taddaaa!!!
Let me know what you guys think of That!!
Will be eagerly awaiting your Feedback guys as always!
And oh yes – expect the Next Update around Sunday Night Guys!
Much love
Always!!!!
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Jai Shri Ram @SoniRita
+ 32
1 years ago
Awesome update, Khushi is so smart, what a suggestion she gave abt the media house. Also, the words khushi used to convince ASR to think abt playing for country but brilliantly written. Glad Khushi recovering fast.
bineshaa @bineshaa 3 years ago Hi are we getting an update today