Hellooo everyoneeeeeee
I am here with an almost Long Update – of about 8K Words.
Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.
Also please note the Timelines from here on guys – We are now – Ten days forward into the Story.
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CHAPTER 27.3 – AN 'EVERLASTING' MAGNET
TEN DAYS LATER – 4TH JUNE, 2019 – 11:30 PM
ARNAV'S POV
I am going to miss her.
Miss Her So Very Much.
Like even if I say – I will miss her * Infinity - I do not think that, that equation will be able to justice to the magnitude of the degree with which I am going to be experiencing the emotion. So I think, I should just give up on trying to rationalise that degree of that Missing bit– in words.
No point.
Words, are always going to fall short.
Period.
The magnitude of the emotion, that continues to consume me, when it comes to My Sparkle, is obviously always in that continued accelerated mode, which is the exact reason, that in this moment of time, even though my heart is overwhelmed with so many emotions, because I am leaving for the World Cup Tour tomorrow, and it is going to be long time, until I actually see Khushi again – I am biting back my smile – as I am once again, pretending to have my head dipped into the Newspaper, as I listen on to her, placing the order for our tea and paratha snack, excitedly to the Dhaba Bhaiya, on our late night drive time, being her animated self, in trying to distract him from peeking into the vision of my sides.Why? Because I am sure that the server really is wondering about the fact – that who is this Man – with her, whose always got his face Hidden behind the newspaper! As , it's totally now become our Tradition to do this – like it's Our Thing. Actually, this is literally our fifth outing to this very point in the last ten days.(and we'v also been here, on two previous occasions, prior, which makes this our Seventh Time – here)
Ever since Rahul and Anjali returned back to Nottingham on the 26th, Khushi managed to stay over at Jess's on every alternate day, which kind off resulted in us – sneaking out for this Drive time, on ever alternate day as well, for just some quality time with one another for a couple of hours, because, during the days even though we were in constant touch as much as we could be in through our video calls, chats , and calls the usual etc - we have both also been so busy otherwise in terms of gruelling practice and preparations for our upcoming tournaments.( Khushi, only resumed her practice and play around the 29th , after the physio gave her the green signal to start play, after five full days of rest to her Elbow injury. Actually, the physio gave her the green signal to play after three days of rest – but it was because of my Banter with her on the same , that she extended the rest bit by two more days. I did tell her that it wouldn't really harm to give it additional rest for a couple of days, for sometimes, some extra days off rest work wonders, when you actually return to the field all recopued. I actually was negotiating for her to rest it out, the complete week, and obviously Khushi was all in her adorable convincing mode, to make me rethink on the same, which eventually led us to a win- win – midpoint consensus decision that – maybe Five Days of Rest – would do the Needful. Guys,To be honest, I also got into the Bantering bit on the same again– because of that killer redemption clause, My Sparkle's introduced – and have also made sure that I have redeemed up all my stocked up Kisses – in Brief kisses on our these Drive dates)
Anyway,so even though she was not playing on the field until the 29th, she was obviously involved alongside on the ground, with her team members and support staff and coaches, undergoing her physio sessions alongside the physio of her team, and also picking up on other vital discussions as a group – which is why Our Drive Dates, on alternate nights, eventually came along as – Super Bonus for US.)
I hear her say to the server now – " ohhhoo bhaiya...kya aap inki taraf dekh rahe ho, yeh newspaper padh rahe hai...app mujhse baat karo na har time ke jaise..aap soch lo..yeh Mr India hai..like woh anil kapoor ki movie wale Mr.India...socho ke yeh invisible hai..acha bhaiya...aap order jaldi lana..thike...aaj toh dinner bhi nai kiya hai maine...bahut bhook lagi hai...like bahut bhaut bahut zyada...aur haan please bhaiya..chai ekdum garam..thike? acha aapki padhai achi chal rahi hai na?exam aane wale haina...who naya pens ka box aap use karna thike..main aur lake dungi appko next time, aur notebooks bhi chaihye ho toh batana.."( oh bhaiya, why are you looking in his direction, he is reading his newspaper, you talk to me na...acha you think he is Mr.India...that Anil Kapoor movie..Mr India, in which he is Invisible, acha bhaiya please get the order soon, I am super hungry, haven't even had dinner properly today and please ask them to make that tea piping hot, thike?and hope your studies are going well, your exams are coming up right? please use the new pens out of the box carton, I got for you, for your exam, I will also get more pens and notebooks for you next time...)
This server, whose been the same one – serving us on the seven occasions we'v been here, is about 15 years old,and is studying in a Government school nearby. Khushi obviously gets into a warm small talk with him , everytime, while placing the order and settling the bill, towards the end. About two days ago, while engaging in the small talk with him , we got to know that his Exams are coming up soon, which is why – My Sparkle decided to gift him with a full carton of pens and Notebooks as a gift, from her end.
The server says happily – " haan didi, wahi use karunga..aur kya didi...aur nahi chahiye..aapne itna kar diya...mera toh pura saal ban gaya...acha thike...app kehte ho toh inka naam Mr.India hi rakh dete hai.."( yes didi will use that only, and what didi, I don't need anything more,you did so much for me, my whole year is made and only because you say so, lets keep his name – Mr.India)
I bite back my laughter with great difficulty as I hear Khushi say – " haan thike...Mr.India acha naam haina? Yeh bata...picture dekhi hai aapne? Mr.India??"and I hear the server's amused voice come through – " haan haan didi.....picture dekhi hai maine...Mr India wali...main samajh gaya...yeh kaun hai aapke saath...aap woh secret rakhna chahte ho na..tabhi toh..jab se aap yahan aa rahe ho...yeh saatvi baar hai..yeh Mr India, hamesha newspaper ke peeche chup jaate hai..aap chinta mat karo..main kisiko nahi batane wala yeh jo bhi ho..pata hai kyun, kyunki aap itne ache se mujhse baat karte ho na har time, aur aapne kitna kuch kardiya na mere liye...aaj kal kahan koi karta hai.." ( yes yes, didi...I have seen that movie of Mr India..i understand, you want to keep this persons identity a secret that is why out of all the seven times you have come here, and I have served you both, this Mr.India is always hidden behind the newspaper...don't you worry didi, even if I see him, I will not tell anyone who he is..you know why? Because you talk to me so nicely everytime with such a warm smile,and have already done so much for me, that no one ever does..)
Ok.
That really warms my Heart. My Sparkle, is indeed one of a Kind.
However,God only knows – how I am controlling my Laugh right now. I mean – Guys, Great – I am also Mr.India now. Just how many names is Khushi going to come up with, for me??
Not that I am complaining. I absolutely love it to bits. It's only with her, that normal day to day live's moments end up becoming so memorable. She makes my every Moment – Blossom, in a way I cannot really express in words.
Just when I think Khushi is about to roll up the window now ,and that maybe the server has left, I hear Khushi ask the server, her voice filled with amusement – " aree bhaiya, aap itne ache ho..koi aap se ache se baat nai karta na toh unki problem hai thike..aap dil pe mat liya karo...aur maine kya kiya? Kuch bhi toh nahi...acha who sab chodo..pehle aap yeh batao...aap cricket dekhte ho kya??"(are bhaiya, you are so nice if anyone does not talk to you properly, its their bad you don't take it to heart, and what have I done? Nothing at all...you please leave that and tell me do you watch Cricket?)
Guys.
I swear – this is My Sparkle – at her cheekiest best.
The server says happily – " haan haan, cricket hi toh dekhta hun main didi..khelta bhi hoon didi .."
Khushi asks impressed – " aree wah? Sachi mein??"( wow, for real?)
He says, with a happy pride dripping in his voice– " haan didi..sach mein...apne gaon ki team mein batting karta tha..solid...yeh apna ASR haina..hamara captain...sab gaon mein kehte hai ki uske jaise hi chauka marta hoon main..arre didi, bahut bada fan hun main uska...hamare gaon mein toh ladke mandir hi bana dale puri cricket team ke liye..abhi dekhna world cup khelne jaa rahi haina apni team..jitne wale hai hum didi.."( yes yes for real, I watch cricket only didi, I play also, used to do solid batting in my village team, they say I hit a four – just like our Indian Captain, ASR, I am a big fan of him, in our village everyone is so crazy about the indian cricket team that they might as well, construct a temple for them,infact the team is about to leave to play the world cup tournament, didi..i am sure we are going to win...)
Ok.
I can't help but smile. Sport has always been an amazing binding factor.
I hear Khushi say happily – " are wahh bhaiya, aap bhi ASR ke fan..main bhi ASR ki fan hun...acha suno, jab hum next time aayenge na, main aapke liye ek aur special gift lane wali hun.."( aree Wow bhaiya, you are also ASR's fan, I am also ASR's big fan, next time I see you, I am going to gift you something very special..)
The server, asks excited – "ek aur gift?? Didi?? Aur Kya gift??"
I hear Khushi say happily – " ASR ka sign kara hua bat bhaiya, aur kya?chalega?"(a bat singed by ASR bhaiya, ofcourse.will it do?)
The server asks in a surprised daze – " didi...sachi mein? Aap kya unko jaante ho??"(didi, are you for real? Do you know him??)
And now before Khushi can say anything, I deepen my voice's tone as I say from behind the newspaper – " bhaiya, madame khud bhi bahut acha cricket khelti hai...india women team ke liye...opener hai..opener...aaree ASR se better sixer maarti hai yeh..."( bhaiya, madame, plays cricket so very well herself...as well for India women, she is the opener, hits a better sixer than ASR)
The serves's voice comes in a daze – " kya?? Didi..aap bhi cricket khelte ho? India ke liye????"
I hear Khushi say, happily – " haan bhaiya,"(yes bhaiya)
The server – " Main dekhunga ab se...acha didi..aap phir apna autograph bhi de dena thike..mujhe?"(I am going to watch from now, and didi, you also please give me your autograph...ok?)
Khushi chuckles – " haan bhaiya..."(yes, bhaiya)
The server – " acha ab main order leke aata hun didi, nahi toh daant padegi..."and he pauses and says – " Mr.India bhaiya..kamse kam yeh toh pata chala kia ap bol sakte hai"( ok didi, I will rush now and get your order and he pauses and says – oh Mr India bhaiya, finally atleast I got to know today, that you at least have a voice) – and we all share a warm laugh, even though he can't see me, and with that I finally hear him take his leave, now and I tilt the newspaper a little off my see, to see Khushi pressing up the button to pull up the tinted window of my car at her side – grinning to herself – cheekily.
Since, my hearts all overwhelmed, and warm and fuzzy as well, I put the newspaper away, in a jiffy and first thing out, I lean forward and hug her into my side, all tight as I whisper, kissing her forhead softly – " I am going to miss you so much Sparkle...I'v become so used to spending some good time with just you on every alternate night in the last ten days, I'm surely going to feel that void, once I leave tomorrow..."
Khushi hugs me back tightly as she whispers softly – " I know...Arnav..i am going to miss you so much too...like so much * infinity also will be an understatement...but at the same time, I obviously understand, as in if I won't understand that who will haan??my Mr.India, has his national sports duties towards India na..."
We both chuckle at that happily as I cup her face lovingly with my right hand now, making her look into my eyes, now as I say grinning, caressing her cheek – " ok , so you have absolutely no idea, how difficult it was for me, to control my laugh at that, for once again I could never think of this.."
Khushi chuckles as she says, cupping my cheek – " I knowww right, ...I mean I was sure about the fact that you'd be biting back your smile, that's why I wanted to be extra cheeky in the moment..."and we both share a warm laugh, looking into each other's eyes and Khushi continues, sincerely – " but he is such a nice person...na..i really was serious about gifting him a bat signed by you, the next time we visit Arnav...I hope you won't mind??"
I grin happily and I kiss her forhead – " I'd love that Sparkle...also I was thinking let's, find out a way to sponsor his education, perhaps??i mean, he is all of 15...maybe if we can fund his education, he can quit working in the night to earn money for the same, and just focus on his studies.."
Khushi grins happily, and kisses my cheek – " oh my god...you literally voiced out my thought Arnav...as in he did say that he works this night job so that he can afford to pay for books and everything, which is why I anyway wanted to gift him some stationery but you know what...lets do this Arnav...I am totally going to ask him, for his contact details while we are settling the bill..ok??".
I nod – happily and Khushi continues – " and we will see how to take this forward, but please promise me, you will let me fund most of it, from my cricket earnings...I mean I just want to be able to do this out of what I have earned professionally..so I chip in 95 percent and you chip in just 5 percent...thike??"
I ask, lacing my hand through hers, leaning back in my drivers seat all comfortably now, and kissing on her hand – " really?? what kind off a chip in ratio is that Sparkle?? it isn't fair at all. I am totally opening this topic out for a little banter right here..."
Khushi narrows her eyes at me playfully as she says, rolling her eyes the next second – " ya ya...as if I don't know why you want to open this topic out to banter...so that you can redeem all your kisses then after...very Smart...Skipper Blue...very smart indeed....but no...listen na...please hear me out on this atleast...it's like both our families keep doing so much charitable work and even you are associated with so many charities and NGO's Arnav....but it's like this is just a small thing that I want to start doing out of my cricket earnings, since education is the ray of light and hope right??and I just don't want to sponsor and then take a back seat, as in like I do want to be a little involved in their education process, by keep checking on them every now and then , about their progress, personally...."
I nod, kissing her hand, clutching on it tight – sure that my eyes were overwhelmed with intense emotion – " okkk, then Sparkle...I get where you are coming from, so I take my words back on this one, right here...no banter there...I am totally okay with that pitch in ratio..."
Khushi grins happily as she kisses my hand and winks – " ahaaa...a banter forfeited by the party even before it started...we most definitely need to include some bonus rewards for that as well..Skipper Blue..."
I chuckle as I lean forward and look into her eyes intently – " how about you agree that the kisses redeemed on our drive dates, get accounted for just half the number...you know since I am able to kiss you just briefly and not deeply anyway..."
Khushi narrows her eyes at me playfully and says – " ahaa...Skipper Blue making a very fair point there...my dear lips also just hurraae-d in happiness saying that it's only apt to process this, so it's a done deal the.."
I kiss her – Obviously.
Briefly yet very Intently. I think I am going to keep doing just that every couple of seconds of our time tonight – since everything inside of me is already aching at the thought of not seeing her in real time,for the next 50 days.
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One Hour Later – Nearing to 1: AM
Arnav POV Continues
We'v finished our snacking and settling the bill and taking our server's contact details and everything, about twenty minutes ago and have just been holding onto each other's hand tight and talking, with our eyes locked, enjoying the warmth of our time together. I have obviously spotted Khushi's eyes swim with a zillion emotions as well, just like I am sure that she has spotted in mine – as we are both trying to not talk about the usual bit that we have been engaging in ever since the IPL finished and that is the discussion about when are we going to see each other next. Because ever since then – we did have a lot of these days and occasions (as you all know) to just sneak around and meet each other until this very day. And today, it's like even though we want to ask each other the same – we are holding back, because none of us know the answer to that question – yet.
I kiss on Khushi's hand now, as I sigh, placing it over my heart – " Sparkle...I..." and it is right then that she says – " Arnav...I..."
I caress her cheek softly, leaning back in my seat, and holding out my hand to the side – "you go on...first.."
Khushi smiles – " no you go on first..."
I chuckle – " ok how about we say what we want to say at the same time.."
She nods, clutching on our laced hands, tight.
We both say at the same time, literally – " it sucks, that I don't know when am I going to see you next in real time yet..."
And that makes us both bursts into an instant laughter and before either of us can say anything – Khushi's phone buzzes.
She looks at me and says with a wink – " It's Jess, I am sure she's checking to know when am I going to be back, she must have gotten free from talking to Vikram, which is how she just remembered me.." and I gesture her to take the call, as I kiss on her laced hand in mine again and just take the moment to take in the sight of her in front of me.
I hear Khushi, talking to Jess – over the phone now, telling her that- she will be reaching back to her place, in about thirty to forty minutes or so from now, and they continue to engage in a little chatter for the next couple of minutes, and I just continue to gaze at My Sparkle, in Silence.
I am once again fighting back the Urge to just tell her – How much I Love her. A very strong part within me wants to tell her about this, right here, right now – before leaving on the tour tomorrow. But then again, at the same time, I have this fear of overwhelming her with all my heavy-duty emotions. Also, I don't want her to feel like that me confessing this out to her right now is like a way of me, putting some sort of an emotional pressure on her, because the realisation has surely not struck her yet, as in the realisation that she's probably in love with me too. (Her eyes don't reflect that to me yet) and I don't want to rush her into it – of course. My heart tells me that she is heading there, surely – but just at a different speed from mine. So maybe, as difficult as this is for me – I just need to continue batting on that pitch in between our hearts, consistently and patiently as we batter's do in the Test matches. I mean – why risk an untimed shot like we are tempted to do in the T20 format,(because of limited overs and time) and risk losing my wicket in a cheeky catch out at midoff or fine leg.I could not afford to lose my Wicket here. This was the most important match of my Life – with my Heart on the Line.
No Raizada,so as tempting as the moment is – you gotta wait, until her eyes at least give it away to you – that she's processed some sort off a deeper realisation into US – emotionally.
I am right on that thought, as I see Khushi hang up now and she says, softly, looking back into my eyes – " so...im sure you heard that I asked Jess to sleep, and keep the keys under that flower pot on the shoe rack outside her house...because it's obviously going to take us about twenty five minutes to just drive back as well right..."and I nod and she pauses as she closes her eyes and she says – " I don't feel like leaving your side though...."
I instantly lean forward, and pull her to my side and hug her tight and close in an overwhelmed silence.
I am finding the words to say to her.
I hear Khushi whisper, now as she hugs me back tighter – "i just want you to know, that I am going to miss you so much, Arnav..as in I know we are going to be in constant touch like always, but like you said,seeing you almost every other day off late..has kind off gotten me so used to just looking forward to be with just You so often...I am surely going to feel that void too....as in, its like we'v always known that it is going to be long distance for us, but sometimes it's like when you are actually experiencing an emotion, some logic does take the backseat, as emotions rule...and right now...I am so overwhelmed with all these mixed emotions...I ...i...I feel like I am on short of words...which is insane, because you know I am never on short on words..i always have so much to rant about right...you understand what I mean, don't you"
I have no idea, how is it possible for me to chuckle, and feel completely overwhelmed at the same very time, as well?But that is exactly how I feel, as I say - " yes Sparkle, I understand exactly what you mean, and I am really going to miss you, a lot more than you can imagine...you make me feel a zillion emotions, that I have never experienced or felt ever before..."
She hugs me tighter as she says – " so do you...Arnav..so do you..."and she pauses and asks softly –" we will figure something out..right??"
I nod holding her closer and tighter – " yes we will, as our respective tournaments shape along, we surely will figure it out..ok??"
Khushi whispers softly, continuing to clutch on my arm tight – " you know they do say, distance makes the heart grow fonder... that statement surely should be framed in platinum, for I surely feel that it has a very stark truth in it.."
I kiss her forhead – " I couldn't agree more, Sparkle.." and right then she pulls back from my hug and says, her eyes twinkling – " oh my god...I am so going to have to thank the High Courts of the Mind for this is a formal ceremony later and everything...but I just had this thought...that kind off instantly took all my uneasiness away, at the thought of us going back to being distant in real time.."
I chuckle as I ask ,grinning – " ok we shall thank the high courts of the mind for this thought for sure...but why don't you actually tell me, what this thought is, first Sparkle..."
Khushi snaps her fingers together as she says – " lets think off this Distance like an everlasting Magnet in between of us Perhaps?? Like, you know going by that exact statement of Distance makes the heart grow fonder...so yup...no no...we are not going to let the distance factor overwhelm yes surely...I mean we are obviously going to miss each other which is a given emotion...but what I mean is , that in our heads and hearts, lets totally pitch in this thought that – the Distance is always going to work wonders for us, and be that everlasting magnet, which kind of pulls the two of us to each other, a lot more...you know since I know, the minute we part tonight..i will already be waiting eagerly and excited to just see you next...so the minute I tell myself...the longer the distance, the higher the magnitude of this magnet in between of us...I am obviously going to feel a lot better about it in my heart...I already do, a little actually..."
I grin now as I admit honestly – " that's an interesting Sparkle..i mean now that I think it out that way...I think I start to feel a lot better about it too..."
Khushi cups my face, and caresses her thumb over my cheek and she says – "I know, given our situation around our professions, this distance in real time is obviously going to be a huge part of our lives Arnav...so I just thought that maybe if we think of it as something that can and will make us stronger, then..it will get easier to sort our way through it, right??does this make any sense to you??"
I nod as I wink at her playfully now – " oh yes, Sparkle, it makes a lot of sense to me indeed...like now that I rethink it a little...I mean...when we met in real time after almost 23 days, when you came to Mumbai...it was as if that moment in between of us, did have a very powerful magnitude of intensity??"
Khushi grins – " oh my god...yes....as in...it was so freaking intense, what I was feeling in that moment that it almost felt like a Tidal Wave of intensity...so yes...see you understood exactly what I wanted to say...so if we just tell ourselves that the next time we meet...all this wait in the meanwhile, is going to be worth ever second of that wait – this distance will feel like a supermagnet and not like an overwhelming factor pulling us down anyway.."
I nod and I wink at her as I say – " yuppp....i love the sound of this, Sparkle..also how can I forget, the way you kissed me back..when we met after those 23 da.." and that obviously earns me a playful whack on my arm now, from Khushi, and the next minute she pulls me by the hand and hugs me tight isnatntly, placing her head on my shoulder and she says, holding me tight – " I...I..."
I wrap my arms around her tighter – " Sparkle...please tell me whats on your mind.."
She whispers, clutching onto my tee near my heart – " I do want you to know that even though theres going to be a technical distance in between of us Arnav by default, but in an emotional sense, there's no distance at all ok..as in there is no one who is more closer to my heart than you...you maybe technically physically away..but you are kind off never away nonetheless...there's so much of you in me...that...I just feel like....,"and exactly when I was loving the sound of the words she was saying, her phone rings – pulling us out of our emotional moment.
I groan and Khushi hugs me tight for a second, and she whispers, pulling back – " it might just be Jess..."and I see her pick up her phone from the dashboard and her forhead lines up in a frown almost immediately as she looks into her phone as the call gets cut as well, and I ask – " Sparkle..all ok? why are you frowning?? Is it not Jess?"
Khushi says – " ok this is strange, and yes it isn't Jess, its Sheena di...she's just called and then cut the call, as you know I am obviously in touch with everyone back on our national team as well, and we do talk often...but she's never called me this late, like ever...would it be something urgent??"and she looks at me and asks – " but she did cut the call as well, so could be a mistake also na??" ( Guys, just a quick mention again : Sheena is an integral team player for India Women.Khushi got the opportunity to opens the innings alongside her, when she joined the national squad.)
I nod – " yup, Khushi...could be a mistake as well...know what? drop her a text maybe to check if everythings ok?"
Khushi nods.
And just as she is typing out the text, she says, looking into her phone – " ok Arnav..she literally just messaged – Khushi, sorry for the call so latee, but was important. But then just in case you are asleep, call me first thing out in the morning...I have something important to discuss.."
Khushi looks at me nervously as she asks – " Arnav...what could this be about?? I am telling her I am awake, and that we can talk now..k?"
I nod and she does that, and I just clutch on her other hand tight – "yes, call her, but stop being so nervous..."
Khushi shoots me a nervous look as she calls up Sheena and she says – " ok I am putting her on speaker Arnav..as in if it's a edgy news, than id rather hear it with you.."
I nod and kiss her hand, and gesture her to relax right when we both hear, Sheena's relaxed voice come through – " khushi...my little hit girl, I hope i didn't disturb your sleep... "
I see Khushi relax instantly now as she says – " oh god sheena di...you sound all relaxed which instantly eased my worries...I was so worried thinking something isn't right or something with you...you are okay right??"
We hear Sheena chuckle as she says – " oh yes don't worry...I am totally okay and now that you are awake and we are going to talk about this, as much as I know you...you might now get much sleep tonight, out of excitement perhaps?also I do have to blame the UK time difference, for this later call as well??"
Khushi looks at me puzzled, and I gesture her to continue talking and she asks – " huh?UK time difference...what do you mean di??"
Sheena says now – " ok little hit girl, not that you don't already know this...but just to give you a context – you do know that the BCCI allows us, players from India women, to play in cricket leagues abroad, as in they do not allow our counterparts the men cricketers the same, on the grounds of fatigue and exhaustion because they already have a supertied up schedule and play calender, every year nationally as well as the IPL...but since our schedule, has that breather space since we literally play half the national games than our men's side, about a couple of years ago the BCCI gave us Indian women cricketers , the permission to officially play for domestic leagues aborad...and this is one of those opportunities that we can say, we are getting exposure too, and not our men's team...as in yes the IPL is there, but that's dominated like nationally, as in restricted foreign players are allowed,right in the men's game? where as in this case...we get the chance to get categorised under foreign players, by domestic tournaments of other countries...and you know there are two mainly popular T20 domestic leagues aborad for us women.. "
Khushi and me, both nod are head at each other smilingly as we both are obviously aware of this and Khushi says now , happily– " yes Sheena di...and that's the Kia Super League which is organised by England and Wales Cricket board , and then the Big Bash League by the Australian Cricket Board...and as of now I can proudly say, that In my national team, I am opening with a partner who has been picked up teams on both these foreign leagues...since both you and Harpreet di, play officially in both the Kia Super League and Big Bash leagues, and Mira Di plays in the Big Bash League in Australia too..."
Guys – I have a happy Gut feeling, as to where Sheena Could be going with this.Chances are, that Khushi has come under the eye of one of the gaming scouts of any of these foreign domestic leagues. I feel my heart beam with both happiness and Pride – this is Huge for Khushi, at this stage of her gaming career.
Sheena's happy voice comes through – " exactly...so you know what team I play for , in the Kia Super League right , Khushi??"
Khushi nods happily and says – " ofcourse, the Western Storm..and you all won the league last year as well....". My Adorable Sparkle – still has no idea, as to where is Sheena heading with this, her voice is totally giving her away, but I guess Khushi hasn't been able to process the possibility of this happening yet.
Sheena says – " exactly...so hear me out..i just got a call from the gaming scouts of my team...one of top order batswomen at Western Storm has been ruled out of the upcoming tournament due to an injury, so they are obviously looking out for replacements...and which is why she called me just now saying – Sheena, could you please share the details of the opening batswomen who played in the India's tour of UK in Feb, alongside you, she's got some major power hitting potential, and is an all arounder as well....so we are interested to get her on board with us..."
Bingo. That!
I clutch on Khushi's hand happily, grinning and I am biting back my chuckle, because of the expression of dazed and happy shock on her face as she asks Sheena now – " wait........whatttttttttttt??? The gaming scout of Western Storm got in touch with you di, and asked for my contact details???"
Khushi clutches on my hand tight as she shoots me an adorable – I cannot believe this is happening - expression. I kiss on her hand – happily, sure my eyes are giving my elated emotions away.She can obviously also see me – grinning like an Idiot of the Highest Order – for that's how Happy I am for her, in this moment of Time, because I know and completely understand, exactly what she must be feeling.
Sheena chuckle on the phone – " yes, our little hit girl...yes indeed...she was present in that last T20 match we played against England at Nottingham Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium , in which you hit your massive sixes and even received the player of the match...she said that she put you on her scout list right on that night, but since the spots on the team, for this year were already full, she was thinking that she will look out for you for next year, but now that one of the top order player has been ruled out due to an injury, the first one that came to her mind was You...she's also discussed it out with their coaches and everything..and shown your gaming videos, they are all impressed and very keen to have you on Khushi...I have shared your official email details with her and your contact number as well, obviously but did tell her that it was late at night, here in India, so she said they are going to get in touch with you over mail , first thing tomorrow.......so I just want you to think over this tonight Khushi...it's obviously a huge opportunity to learn as a sportsperson as well...also since the Kia Super league tournament, starts by 6th August until the 1st September this year..it falls exactly in that window of the month in which we do not have any national or domestic matches, our domestic tournament will be over in first week of July itself, and we only regroup with the rest of the national team by mid-September since we have to tour South Africa after that...so this seems like that perfect opportunity to grab Khushi, and yes, if you do agree to take this on...we need to be in the UK by the 15th of July – since we undergo the training camp there, every year, before the tournament begins..so pleaseee think it over...ok? "
I hear Khushi say in a dazed surprise tone – " yes di...I will...I am still processing this...I mean..this is hugeee for me surely..."
I kiss on My Sparkle's Hand, and more so her elbow – that had just recovered, in a gesture that – Thank God your minor injury - all healed in time. Khushi obviously understands the gesture, and nods her head at me happily in acknowledgement of the same, and caresses my cheek happily as she continues to talk to Sheena and says – "okkk...this is still sinking in for real.....let's talk in the morning then Sheena di...once my CPU has digested and processed this information.."
I bite back my happy grin.
Sheena says happily – " lets do that..and I am all of fingers crossed to have us open the game for Western Storms this year...its going to be huge for us in many ways Khushi...the opening national pair of India Women, opening up the game for a domestic team in the foreign league as well...this is exactly how we are going to be able to create more awareness about India women's cricket on a global map, Khushi...Harpreet is also playing in the Kia Super League this year as well...ok..and the team's gaming scout did tell me, that a couple of others teams scouts, were also present in our ODI games in Feb..which means theres a possibility that a few of our other team members from the woman in blue are also on that potential scout list...this is huge not just for us Khushi but potentially a big window of hope, for all the women cricketers in the country..."
Khushi clutches on my hand tight, as her tone continues to be all dazed still – " I know di..i know exactly what you mean.." and I hear Sheena say now – "ok, i'll let you process this through now..call me in the morning ok? after you hear from them and if you have any doubts about the contract bit and everything...ok?"
Khushi asks in that continued daze – " di, just checking once again...is this happening for real??"
I bite back my Grin – I need to give that World Cup of Adorableness to my Sparkle, already.
Sheena chuckles on the phone and says happily – " oh yes it is...I told you...you bat talks in a language of its own our little hit girl...you have an amzing potential and a very long way to go,..."
Khushi thanks Sheena one more time and hangs up now, and just as she does, and looks at me and our eyes lock, she says all consumed in her adorable daze, clutching on my hand tight – " Arnav...you heard that didn't you?? I mean.. am I dreaming? Pinch me, will you please?? so that I know I am not dreaming?? Did Sheena di just tell me, that I could potentially be playing for the Western Storms, in the Kia Super League, this year??? you know like this a little step ahead in my go the distance bit....."
I lean forward immediately, grinning as I kiss her forhead – " I know....i undertstand, and this is indeed another step into the go the distance bit...I told you Sparkle, long ago, that you will most surely go that distance..." and I pause now as I wink at her – " and also how about I kiss you instead, of that pinch huh?? So that you know what's happening if for real...you know I'v been fighting myself from doing so, ever since this adorable dazed expression came up your face, Sparkle..." and before she could say anything to that – I kiss her, immediately intently, consuming her lips with mine, and she immediately kisses me back as well.
About a minute later, Khushi entangles her lips away from mine, as she whispers into my lips – " Arnav..this is hugeee for me..so freaking hugeeee...I mean...I can't really explain what I am feeling just now...like I am going to get to learn so much from this exposure..like how do I even express what I am feeling...you understand don't you..like even if I can't explain it out..??"
I chuckle as I smack her lips with mine happily – " yes I know Sparkle...I understand...I understand exactly what you are feeling, which is why I suggest that, you think about saying Yes to this opportunity first thing tomorrow...ok?? you gotta jump on it, for sure..like don't wait..don't think much...just freaking jump on it...for this is absolutely amazing, my little hit girl...absolutely amazing, I am so proud of you dammit.."
Khushi eyes twinkle happily now as she looks into mine and asks – "you think the same too right? that I should just say yes right?? its what I feel too in my gut, like for sure,as in I'm obviously going to talk to mom and dad and bhai tomorrow as well..but yes, it's like I want to say yes...my hearts asking me too.."
I grin happily – " and which is why you will follow your heart and do just that...say yes, and sign the freaking contract with Western Storms ,ok?? my little hit girl...look at you impressing all the gaming scouts with your bat, I am so happy for you Khushi...in your words I'd just say – Happy* infinity..."
Khushi hugs me happily now and she says – " I know that ya, Arnav because while I was in a surprise daze, I could obviously see you grinning, also I think you probably picked on where Sheena di was going with the talk perhaps? As in It took me some time to get my head around it for real,and it all dawned on me the minute she voiced it out to me completely...but am pretty sure you had the hunch much before me..."
I hug her tighter and closer – " yes ofcourse...Sparkle, I knew exactly where she was going with it..."
Khushi pulls back grinning happily now as she says her eyes widening – " ohkkk wait...this means that if I take this on..i am supposed to be in the UK by the 15th of July which is exactly when your World Cup is scheduled to be heading out of the group stages into the quarter finals, semis and finals...wait..wait...oh wait.....so this means, we can meet as well...as in maybe even if it's just one time or something, but I am sure we can meet when I reach the UK...right???as in we will figure it out.."
I cup her face happily, happiness ruling my heart – " oh yess Sparkle...we will figure it out...we will meet..we surely will meet...just a little over 40 days from now...but we will...and until then..."
And she cups my face all happily as well as we both say at the same time beaming at each other happily – " Distance = Our everlasting magnet..." and she keeps her forehaead on mine now, and whipsers with her eyes closed, with happiness shining on her face – "ohhh god...Arnav...kiss me again, will you please? so that I feel like I am not dreami..."
And well, she obviously didn't need to complete her sentence everyone, for I have taken her lips with mine in a massive duel, already.
About a minutes later, I pull apart from her lips for a second as I admit, kissing the side of her lips softly – " know what Sparkle, it isn't just distance that's an everlasting magnet...the core of it is you...you are my everlasting magnet dammit...You are..."
Khushi whispers against my lips, caressing my cheek – " you are my everlasting magnet too Arnav...and oh wait...look at me, I haven't even wished you all the best for the world cup tour properly...I mean I know it's going to be an excellent tournament for you all...but...I just want to wish you ache se...all the best Arnav..just play your game like you always do, staying true to your heart and mind.."
I nod, overwhelmed with Happiness, this time around and I wink at her – " you wouldn't mind, if I continue to redeem my best wishes, in brief kisses right now Sparkle??we have to leave in a couple of minutes soon, and I just want to kis.."and before I could finish saying those words out, Khushi closes her lips over mine in an urgent , brief, intense kiss.
I fist my hand into her hair, as I start to dominate our brief embrace.
Bring it On – Distance! You surely aren't going to be an Overwhelming Low Factor for US!
Why?
Because, like my Sparkle, said - We are not Going to Allow it, to be That – Ever.
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TADAAAAA!!!!!
How was the Update Guysssss?? (wink winkkkkk.....)
Let me know what you guys think as always, you all know I love reading your feedback and comments.
Next Update : Shall now be on Saturday- evening.
Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.
Much Love Guys.
Always.
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Current Affairs
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