ARSHI FF : HIT WICKET MY HEART 2.0 - EPILOGUE1.0.Pg 44(8/7/2021)*Compl - Page 9

After all the roller coaster finally it happened awesome

Hello everyone,

Super Duper Happy at reading all of your feedback last Update.So as I was reading a lot of comments and going through it, I realised that many of you do want to read Khushi's POV on the moments as and when what she felt as she met Arnav on the terrace and Specially the Kiss. So, I decided to obviously start the next Update with that – but as I finished up writing her POV on it, I realised that since it's like a Repetition in Perspective to the Same Moment in time, it would be better if I post that Up – as An Extended Annexure to Chapter 20, so that as readers you all know that its like just an added bit in the story of the same moment in time but from the other person's perspective, and its obviously upto choice to read through it or not – but this way – I am able to avoid the Repetition in Scene due to difference in POV style of narrating – in the Fresh Chapter that comes up, next – and also be able to include the Words and feelings and emotion on the Same.( so whenever in future, there comes a scene that I do want to narrate a scene from both perspectives, - will try to include it as Annexures to Chaps) The Idea is Ok no?

So here it Goes Guys, the minute I finished writing it – a short and sweet 1.5K word Extended Annexure to Chapter 20 for the last bit of the Update from Khushi's POV.

Will be eager to know what you all think – as always.

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

And I shall now let you all dive in without further Delay.

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CHAPTER 20.A – EXTENDED ANNEXURE – 'UP' IN THE AIR

KHUSHI'S POV

Dang.Disco.Dang.Dang.

Dang.Disco.Dang.Dang.

Jamm.Rock.Jamm.Jamm.

Jamm.Rock.Jamm.Jaam.

Guys – I know, I know – you all have surely listed me as Whacky Comedy Circus anyway, so might as well just live up to the tag No????

Haha.

Ok.

So.

Just in case any of You are still wondering – what all that Dang.Disco.Jamm.Rock – statements are about, then let me just Honest and state it to you all straight away – that, I am using those statements to kind off reflect to You all, the current State of all of My Insides - collectively.(You know like Eyes + Stomach+ Intestines+ Rest of the Organs+ High Courts of the Mind + the Supreme Courts of my Heart)

Yup.

It's True Yaaaaa.

So,I think its only fair that I give a little Context to how I got to the Dang.Disco.Jamm.Rock – bit.

So.

Remember how all of my Insides were all in this Hip- Hip Hurray mode as I was rushing to the terrace??Yes?

So Yes, that Hip – Hip Hurray Mode had obviously gained like infinite points in its intensity anyway – the minute I registered in the sight of My Stranger on the Terrace for real, and then as he engulfed me in a warm, comforting hug – I literally felt all of my Turmoil's from earlier on in the night, Vanish just like that completely. In a Puff. And I literally hugged him back , clinging on to him as if my life depended on him, because of how good it felt in the moment.

And then of course, Arnav decided to just me Stun into a State of Daze again, and please Note this, for future Reference that literally All of my Insides went into a Collective – Live Rock Concert Mode – Jamming and Danging and Hurraying and Cheering Excitedly in a state of Euphoria, I have never freaking experienced before, the minute he looked into my eyes and admitted so sincerely and intently – that He wanted/wants to be the Man of my Dreams..and everything he said after – and the Live Rock Concert absolutely continued with all its Jamm and Dangs as it dawned on me that he could also read and understood through my Unsaid,even before I could voice it to him .( you know the nervousness of not being in a Realtionship ever before, bit)

And Well, the sincerity in his voice as he mentioned the same to me – kind off Nailed a Dart right on the Bull's Eye, off the Dartboard that stands mounted on the Main Wall – right behind the Chief Justices Chair' (where my Heart Resides) – in it's Supreme Court Chambers, within my Being. And my Heart went all Like...gaping at the Speeding Dart in Sheer Surprise as it shook itself in a Daze with the thought.Nope, I didn't see that one coming K. Now I just gotta process the reaction to the Bulls Eye shot, I mean it is Newton's law, that to every action there is going to be a Reaction right – so Don't you blame me for this. Here You Go, K.Be ready...

What did my Dearest Heart, do Right then – Guys??

Any Guesses?

Ha.

Let me tell you all anyway....Since it's the Supreme Court of my Being na.... it obviously has all these super powers and everything right.So basically dearest Heart – kind off just ended all of me feel like as if I was being Swept off my Feet into the Air, as it literally conspired with all the rest of my Insides and Elevated the Entire Live Rock Concert Scene that my Being was indulging in from the setting of its usual courtroom, to the setting of a Freaking Hot Air Balloon, that continues to speed its way, very steadily straight Up, Up into the Air.(which somehow just made me feel like just voicing out every bit off my nervous thought to him about not knowing how to Kiss – as and when he admitted that he had been dying to just kiss me for ages. I obviously wanted to know the context on the same, but when he was all like he can't wait to kiss me – I just felt my Heart + Mind indulges in a little one second talk as it got its collective decisive answer almost immediately about what it wanted to do.I wanted to be kissed by Him.I wanted to kiss him too and obviously dearest High Courts of my mind came up with the solution idea for the same as it just guided me to ask Arnav, if it would be okay for me to Just Mirror His Moves, as we kissed, because that way, I could probably go along figuring it out.)

And ofcourse, the minute he pulled me to himself even closer so possessively as if I were the most precious to him in the moment and his Lips finally closed over mine, I felt My Lips – take the lead Role off the Lead Singer+Guitarist who got onto leading the Stage off this Live Rock Concert within my Being in the setting off Hot Air Ballon.

Ok.

To Be all Honest and Fair, now that I am being kissed in intense and deep ways by Arnav and I am trying my best to mirror his moves too – I just feel like that the Live Rock Concert resembles the setting off the Euphoric Setting off the very popular Sunburn Music Festival(which kind off goes on for days) – because I know one thing for sure guys – I will not be able to get this moment and the feel off it out of my Head for dayssss and nightssss. The feel of Kissing him and being kissed by him and being caged in his arms – is freaking Euphoric* Infinity.(Please note, I also have no Clue as to many minutes have passed right now, but a few surely for I feel like I need to pause a little to just catch on a breath now and maybe I can also use that second to check with him, if the way I kissed him was okay or not.)

I feel My Lips revolt though.Hey K, don't be a spoil sport ya...we can surely stay fused with his lips for a lot longer.Where's your freaking Sportswoman Stamina when you need it the Most?? Like all that Cardio in the Gym, and you freaking need to catch on a Breath already? Its just been a couple of minutes, dammit.We just got a fast track -Report from the Lungs – we are all good on the SPo2, we surely can continue to kiss him longer.

Oh Godammit Me...dear Lips, you just didn't freaking challenge my sportswoman stamina this instant.

My lips smirk and wink at me.Oh yes we just did.

I obviously succumb to the Challenge, as I wrap my one hand tightly around Arnav's neck , pulling him closer into me and cup his cheek with my other hand like he was cupping mine and continue to kiss him back, by matching his moves. Just as I do that, I feel him fist his hand into my hair tightly, pulling me even more closer into his frame as the intensity of the way his lips were devouring mine – heightens.

It's good that my Lips coaxed me into continuing Kissing him deep, for I realise that I didn't want to break away , just yet too. Because even though I feel all Lost in this Up in The Air – Maze, that My Hearts driving this Hot Balloon Air into, I do feel a State of Sweet Euphoria take over me completely as well.

And so Yes, I am going to keep kissing him back as much as I could, until my breathing Stamina ran out on me, for real – and let My Lips have their moments as they continue to Jamm/Rock/and Dance in Glee as they continue to receive all the attention from Arnav in the Moment, as the Rocking Sunburn Music Festival(in a Hot Air Balloon),continues to rage through my being – Indeed.

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was The short Annexure Guysssss?? (wink winkkkkk.....)

I know it was like a Short One,but do Let me know what you guys think as always, you all know I love reading your feedback and comments. Will be eager to know what you all think??

And yes.

Next Full Fledeged Update : on Thurday Night guys Mostly. Sneak Peak into the Title - Chapter 21 – Some 'Enchanted' Admissions

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

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

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

I am back with the next update of 9K words to you all today....so sorry that it got pushed to a little over Midnight...

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

I shall let you all dive in without – further Delay

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CHAPTER 21- SOME 'ENCHANTED' ...ADMISSIONS

ARNAV'S POV

I have no idea; how many minutes have Passed.

I don't really care – as I Mentioned last.

All I care about the fact that – is that I just cannot let go of her Lips right now. Especially, when she is responding and kissing me back and holding onto me in the way's she is.

She's driving me Nuts.

Nuts would be an Understatement. Perhaps?

Please note, that now that I am finally experiencing these precious moments with the one, I love so deeply, I can say with great conviction, that I have been feeling my being go through an array of different tangents off intense feelings and emotions, that I have never really felt before truly. I have never shared an Intense emotional and passionate kiss as this one, ever before. And I swear to all of the Gods + Cricketing Gods, above that – in this very moment I have also realised another very important fact, the fact being, that now that I have felt like what it feels to kiss, My Sparkle, I surely will never be able to get enough of this Feel, indeed which kind off equates into the statement = I don't think I will ever be able to Kiss Khushi, enough.

Period.

A couple of minutes later, I feel Khushi's hands brush through my hair at the nape of my neck, as she catches on a little breath from my lips and gasps, and whispers softly into my lips, as I continue to kiss her deeply – " Arn..av...I...."

I understand what she means instantly, obviously. She probably needs to pause on the intense duel in between our lips, to catch on a breath.

Ok.Then.

Raizada.

Take it easy.

A Gentle Reminder - This was her First Kiss.You can pause on your Ravage Her Lips, Mode, for a bit.Let her freaking Breath for a couple of seconds, atleast.

And I pause on kissing her deeply by closing my lips over hers gently before I pull back my lips from her's and ask instantly – "you ok Sparkle??"

Khushi's nods as she heaves and catches on a little breathe instantly within the caged circle of my arms, as she clutches on my hold on her tight,still clinging onto me(which I Love),and whispers softly, with her eyes still closed – " ye..s...I am okay Arnav...I just needed to.."

I fill up the sentence for her as I kiss her forehead – "just needed to catch on a breath, perhaps??"

She nods and rests her head on my shoulder immediately as she whispers – " you know what Arnav, I really like the way, you complete my sentences for me,there's something very intimate about it as well, I mean it moves me immensely to know that you can literally fill up my words.It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy * infinity within,for real...."

I smile to myself happily and kiss her forehead again, loving the feel of her in my arms – as I hug her close.

She whisper's now, after continuing to take on a couple of deep breathes – " and yes apart from catching on my breathe, I just like wanted to use these exact seconds to check with you, if it was okay??"

I pull her back as I ask puzzled, looking into her eyes – " huh?? If what was okay??"

Khushi's eyes flash through a sudden nervousness now as she asks softly, cupping my right cheek – " if the kiss was okay...as in the way I kissed you back was okay no Arnav??"

I chuckle to that on reflex, because the look in her eyes tells me that she's really wanting to know my answer to that and I ask – " so before I answer that, how about you tell me, is that what you had on your mind while we were kissing just now ?the worry about if the way you were kissing me back was okay or not as in to me??"

Khushi nods adorably as she admits – " yes of course, as in I did try my best to just mirror your moves and everything, but I obviously was concerned what if it wasn't like okay for you or something..."

I bite back my chuckle as I ask – "really were you? so was it just that, or Was there anything else on your mind too??"

Khushi nods adorably keeping her eyes locked with mine as she continues with her adorable rant – "yes ofcourse na, since this was like my first kiss no, I did have a lot of other thoughts go through my head as well...I mean but dude to be honest, all of thoughts are pretty crazy ok...so let's just say that I'd like to keep them tucked safely within the walls of my head, I mean what if I tell them to you and you actually rethink your decision about wanting to be with a whacky Charlie Chaplin+ Comedy Circus like me, so that would be like a situation when like one kind of axe's there own feet no...so nope don't me ask for the details on the same for...thou shall not hear them for now..."

Okay.

She needs to stop being so Adorable. Or I will just Ravage her Lips with mine.Again.

And Too bad , Sparkle. I want to know all these thoughts, and I will talk you into talking about to me in a bit – surely.

I kiss her cheek and then wink at her mischeviosuly as I say cupping her face with both my hands tenderly – " okkkay...okay...but honestly then I guess that's my bad, because you see Khushi, I wouldn't want to leave any room for any other thoughts, when I am kissing you...so how about I kiss you again for a bit to make up for that...because well I do want to admit to you straight away that I don't think I will ever be able to kiss you enough..."

Her eyes widen adorably as she asks nervously – "okay... but before we kiss again, why don't you tell me if the way I kissed you was okay or not Arnav..so that I can improvise maybe...you know just in case the first time wasn't okay..."

I chuckle to that on reflex and I take her one hand and place it over my heart, as I ask looking into her eyes – "can you feel my Heartbeats under your palm? Khushi??"

Khushi nods.

I ask – " and doesn't the pace of it, tell you that I am beyond just crazily affected just now by the way you kissed me, and the intense duel in between our lips we just shared, that I already am beyond just eager to kiss you again??and to be honest, I do have to admit that it was by far my most intense kiss ever, because its backed by a lot of feelings too right, that I feel for you, that we feel for one another, right???why do you think I said that I don't think I can ever kiss you enough dammit...it's because of what I felt because of the moments we shared obviously...see my heartbeats are yet so haywire...I don't think they will be able to get back to normal soon..."

She smiles shyly as she nods and asks – "did you just say that you are beyond just crazily affected just now because of the way we kissed??" I nod, sincerely, and she clutches her hand gently over my heart – "well your heartbeats are still surely haywire, for real as well...so I guess it is safe to assume that you really mean it, and are not just saying it because of your biasness to me Mr Kind Yorker..."

I chuckle and wink at her mischievously as I admit – "I mean it for real Sparkle and well , what can I say, I have absolutely no doubts over the fact that you are an excellent learner now aren't you? c'mon you know that you are...and I must give a special mention to your knack off paying minute attention to every little detail," I add with another wink.

Khushi chuckles as she asks adorably – " okk, so if I say that this was like this Sudden Surprise quiz and everything, how would you say I did...like if you had to be the one to give a report card on the same, what grade like a B, or B+, or maybe even an A perhaps...,"and she pouts adorably as she says scrunching up her nose,and closes her eyes as if she were deep in thought stating pretty much to herself- "ok wait, Khushi you fool,hoping for an A is a long shot..this was just like a first attempt at a topic that had been totally alien to you, uptil now...maybe because he likes you, he'll anyway be kind enough to give you like a B perhaps??"

I ask Zapped – " wait, wait what??????what was that??"

Khushi opens her one eyes to me adorably as she states – " oops, did I say that out loud??? I mean the latter bit of it?? It was supposed to be a self talk...ya...ohh god...."and she buries her face in her hands adorably.

I burst into happy giggles as I hug her close into me – again and I admit honestly – " well I'm glad I heard that, and this is exactly where I tell you, that I'd give every freaking moment that I have ever spent with you a freaking A+, like a 10/10 or 100/100 whatever the scoring criteria is...k??"

Khushi looks up into my eyes as she asks sincerely – " you mean that really??"

I nod as I gaze into her eyes intently – " ofcourse...tell me if my eyes tell you otherwise Sparkle..."

Khushi's smile widens now as she kisses my cheek and says hugging me – " well looks like I was getting all worked up and worried for no reason maybe...I mean...there's always a first time for everything right?? and then you figure your way around right...like no biggie...puff...looks like I fill figure my way around it all too...I mean I just have to follow what I feel in the moment, and your moves too ofcourse..."

I hug her tighter and I chuckle – " well yes, all you have to do is follow what you feel Khushi, and just go with the flow...that's all...and there surely is a first time for everything indeed, just like it's the first time I have fallen for someone so deeply, that it consumes my heart of an array of emotions that I never truly felt before...trust me when I say this to you Sparkle, I am so freaking into you that its amazes me completely, I didn't know I was capable of feeling the intensity of emotions that I feel for you, until I felt them root their way into my heart – for you...."

Khushi tightens her arms around me – " and you surely make me feel an array of crazy emotions that I have never felt ever before too,Arnav.. like ever...for anyone..."

I kiss her forhead – "please tell me that's crazy in a good way you mean??"

Khushi chuckles – " crazy is a very very good way indeed... i am really into you too..."

I grin to myself as I admit – " I loved the sound of that Sparkle.."and she chuckles - "know what? its not like I am a good learner when it comes to cricket only ok...like I was always like this eager student who sat on the first bench in school, but that was only like when it came to my favourite subjects, in the subjects and classes that bored me, I would just exchange seats..."

I chuckle as I kiss her left cheek and ask with another wink – "really?? so say what Sparkle? What seat are you siting on right now though? I mean did the subject in context catch your interest, you know since this is your first class?? "

Khushi chuckles as she leans forward to kiss my right cheek and whispers softly in my ears – " I totally want to stay glued to my front seat for this subject...for real...only because it's You, though Mr Stranger...or else I wouldn't be interested....you know that don't you Arnav...this connect as in Our Channel 3..."

I grin and wink – " Channel 4, now you mean...which is exclusive to just you and me"

Khushi nods and says excitedly – " or wait, idea..lets just call it Channel 34, you know like 3 and 4 put together, since the Channel 3 is kind of responsible for being the root of this...right??and yes its exclusive to just you and me ya Arnav..just like channel 3 also was, exclusive to just you and me..."

I nod grinning – " yup, you are right on that Sparkle, lets call it Channel 34 then.."

Khushi nods with a grin – " Channel 34 it is Arnav..god ya...just look at what a magnificent TV you are for my being like so many signal transmissions and connections wired with just You, it's totally fair to say that you are like my One and Only Favourite TV..."

Okay. Can't control myself longer.

Need to Kiss her Again.

I look into her eyes and I grin – "and this is exactly where I kiss you again for a couple of minutes , because I loved the sound of the one and only bit, I just heard, also know that ill kiss you more intensely and deeply this time, for sure so that you can't think about anything else but this Sparkle..."

And before she can say anything to that – I close my lips over hers in an urgent deep kiss again her, as I probe my way into her lips and start to kiss her harder and deeper than I did the first time over and I am beyond crazily affected as she once again starts to mirror my moves and kisses me back with equal fervour and passion.

Yup.

I was right.

I could never Ravage Her Lips enough.

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

Khushi's POV

Many minutes into sharing another Freaking Intense Kiss with Arnav,I feel my Lungs, send out an urgent status report to my Lips, for a little pause,and I do feel my lips groan in disappointment but I do pause on our kiss by kissing gently on his lips with mine, reluctantly (just like he had paused the first time),and I whisper into his lips, heaving – " Arnav...that was...."and I pause as I fight for the right word, because this time, for sure guys, until my lungs wanted to stop for a breathe, all of my Insides were literally all Lost in this Crackling Moment indeed.

Arnav keeps his forhead on mine as he asks – " that was what Sparkle??"

I whisper heaving in his arms – " I don't know if I will be able to find the right word for it just now...Arnav...and its not my fault you stunned me into being all lost...ok??"

Arnav chuckles as he kisses my nose – " and I love the sound of that...Sparkle"

A thought returns back to my head instantly now and I ask looking into his eyes, because I wanted to know the answer to this, along with the rest of my Insides – " but hey, will you tell me now what you meant by that bit of you wanting to kiss me for ages now??like since when did you??as in since when do you like, like me, as in more than a friend...??"

Arnav nods and he smiles, holding onto my hand – " ofcourse yes I will tell you, I want to talk about that Sparkle, so c'mon then, let's sit on this little wedged seat here..."

I nod and we sit next to each other and he laces his arm around my shoulder and I snuggle into his side on reflex, keeping my head on the crook of his shoulder as I see him dish out his phone and he opens up his contact list and opens the contact info to my number which he is stored as C.22 and he says – " so I think I should start with telling you that the C in this codeword for your number Sparkle, does not really stand for Cricket..."

I look up at him puzzled as I ask – "huh?? What do you mean??Then what??"

He grins and kisses my forehead – " it stands for Cinderella, you know because I often referred to you as Clueless Cinderella in my head, because you were really so clueless about the ways in which you'd caught my interest for real...and to the Cinderella add the version bat and helmet actually...and before you ask me why Cinderella its totally because you left me all dazed, and stunned, and bewitched and affected on that very first night we met around Midnight...and you know how you continued to really have that thing about being back to the hotel by around Midnight, when we were in Nottingham...so I was honest to you when I said that you kind off touched a string within my head and heart the very first time we met Sparkle..."

Wait.

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

What did he just say????????

The High courts of the Mind + the Supreme Courts of the Heart have now stopped dancing and taken their seats in the Courtroom in the Hot Air Balloon Air in the sky– for a collective hearing, as they say to me in Unison.Dear K, we are working on Jotting everything down right now in our Notes, you know like just taking the information in, so that you can be present in the moment with Arnav just now.We shall go on our one on one later as we process and daydream about this later.

I nod at my Insides and they get on with their Note- taking. But I think my eyes have surely widened into a Surprised Daze, surely.

Arnav kisses my forhead again grinning as he says – "you look that way up at me so adorably with your bewitching widened eyes just now, and I am afraid I shall not be able to get any talking done at all Sparkle...for I will just have to kiss you again..."

I grin sheepishly as I say – " ok fine..pakka se I won't look at you with my dazed widened eyes just now for I really want to know this..."and I blink on reflex and I ask – " now okay?? ...please go on...I am listening..."

Arnav kisses my hand lovingly and dishes his phone back into his Hoodie's center pocket and says with a wink – "and well ofcourse I was so smitten by the time I went back to the hotel that day, that I literally had to see you play your game on pitch because the imaginary thought of you in your cricketing avatar wouldn't leave my head...and I also took your number on the first day, because of the same reason you know because I was bewitched and bedazzled and all of that...and I obviously couldn't believe my luck when I saw you standing next to Rahul as his sister..it totally was like a cherry on the cake on what felt like a fortunate stroke of serendipity, indeed....and that's why I was so eager to meet you at every little chance I could when we were in Nottingham, that's why I knew it wasn't going to be Goodbye Sparkle, when it was time for me to leave, I knew I was falling for you fast and hard...which is why I wanted to just nurture our connection, so that you would feel comfortable enough to just let me in...naturally too," and he goes on to brief me up with the highlights of what he felt in those moments in between us in Nottingham,and how deeply he continued to fall for me as we were in touch after.And all this while he continues to look into my eyes deeply too and kissing on my hands as well, and I can only Snuggle into his Side in a Euphoric Daze.

Dear Heart + Mind, Please be Efficient in your Notes and take down these details ok? Like every bit of it.Do not Miss on a Word. Jeez Yes...K...this feels Amazing, though.Can we resume the Rock Festival? As in you know we paused on it because we wanted to tune our attention into everything, Arnav was going to say.

No Dearest,Heart and Mind theres going to be time for a Party Later...okay??? Concentrate on this please.It's important. I hear my Eyes nudge my Lips and they say.Hey,K, yes we are absolutely loving listening to this, and once he is done, can you please ask him about the moment in time since when he's wanted to kiss Us – please?

I groan at my Crazy insides, but I process their request – nonetheless.

Minutes later as Arnav pauses, I look up at him and ask kissing his cheek – " and when did you feel like, you want to...you know ??" I pause as I roll my eyes at him to understand what I am asking.

Arnav winks as he says – " you mean when did I feel like I wanted to devour your lips with mine??"

I nod sheepishly. (Pretty sure, I am blushing like a Tomato Ketchup in the Moment.)

He kisses my forhead – " so remember that time, when we sat talking a little bit about our dreams and as we were about to leave, you tripped on your boots, and I caught you within the circle of my arms????"

I nod my head not once, not thrice but five times in consecutive Nods.

Why?

Because I obviously remember that Moment.I sentenced my boots into banishment for the same, remember??? Guys??

I hear My eyes and Lips smirk at me as they say to the Mind + Heart.Note that down in Caps guys, for those poor boots suffered Banishment for a full Month or so for no fault of theirs Indeed.

Apologies dear Boots. It wasn't your fault at All. It was all in the Unsaid Vibe in between of us – perhaps?

Arnav continues as he cups my cheek – " yup...so...that was the first time I truly felt the need to just bend over and kiss you insane Sparkle, but then I didn't because I knew it would overwhelm you insanely then, for I figured out in that moment that you were obviously still very clueless about my real reasons/feelings of wanting to be around you, you know since you immediately pretended as if that moment never happened in between of us then..."

I groan as I put my face in my hands as I say – " oh god....i do want to say this to you...Arnav...but then you will surely think I am nuts ya..."

Arnav holds onto my hands and he kisses on them softly – " hey...id never think that...you know I always want to know every thought that crosses your mind..."

I look into his eyes sheepishly – " yup I know that, but these are my super crazy inner thoughts..are you sure you want to know?? don't tell me then I didn't warn you ok?? "and he nods as he gestures me to go on and I shrug as I say – " ok fine...you already know I am a comedy circus anyway...so you know why I pretended that moment never happened??"

Arnav asks, intrigued – " why??"

I admit honestly – " because I was so embarrassed for real, I mean I thought to myself that you must be thinking that this girl is an opening batter for India Women? Just look at how clumsy she is, tripping over a Pair of Shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean I was so sure in that moment that you were probably thinking to yourself- Does she also trip clumsily while running in between the wickets??????!!!!!!!!!"

Arnav bursts into giggles at that as he says – " wait what??? is that what you thought? When actually I was fighting the very urge to just devour your lips with mine in that moment...Sparkle??"

I nod embarrassed as I admit – "you won't believe what I did the next day ok?? hear this..and you will label me Insane I know...or maybe I shouldn't really tell you"

He kisses my forhead, happily – " tell me...please...I want to know..."

I admit honestly – " I literally banished my boots into their Lonesome shoebox for a month, blaming them for causing me so much embarrassment in front you.....like I literally had a inner self hearing with them...."

He asks amazed – " you what????????????"

I nod as I admit – " and well that was also the day the Y0-Yo world Cup began its operations in the pits of my Stomach..."

He hugs me instantly to himself as he says – " okkk...details...I want details...your head freaking fascinates me Sparkle...and also now I am very keen to know about what you actually thought off when you started to realise that maybe you liked me too...and yes add the details of every thought you had when we kissed too...please...."

I roll my eyes on reflex as I answer that spontaneously – " yeah yeah...now toh obviously I will give the details na...you already think I am crazy...and yes blame all of that realisation bits on my eyes only...because they kind of triggered all this insane stuff which initially felt like all malfunction mode within me, as they decided to go on these Scuba diving trips into your eyes...but I wasn't realising it even then, only realised it after we met on that drive, I mean after, and with the help of Dr Google ok..."

Arnav's hugging onto me in Spilts – happily as he says – " wait what???? scuba diving trips??? Dr google as in Search engine google??"

I nod as I admit – " yup, that's exactly when the supreme courts of my heart opened for Hearing for the first time on the topic of emotions and feelings as in when I realised that I like you...until then it was just eyes + the rest of my organs + the high courts of mind in the inner courtroom...ya...as they were trying their best to wade their way through what was feeling like a virus malfunction maze...."

And just like that as our eyes lock we both burst into a laughter and he hugs me hard as he says – " godammit, you drive me nuts with happiness Sparkle...give me details...please???"

I do love the fact that I can make him laugh so easily and as I am still controlling on my very own laugh, hugging onto him. I do hear my insides say.It's Ok...K. You can surely talk about our Crazy inner courtroom scenes to Arnav.He's in us – now anyway..thats why we called him My Stranger.

And so I just follow my Heart and hug him back tight and go with the flow of it all and I begin to tell him highlights of everything I went through from the time the inaugural ceremony of the Yo-Yo World Cup began in the pit of my stomach and everything I felt within after, as and when it happened, along with every detail of my Crazy Inner Thoughts in the Process too including everything of what I felt when he arrived on the terrace tonight, and as we first kissed.

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

Arnav's POV

Smitten.

Bewitched.

Fascinated.

Captivated.

Allured.

All of these words' kind off fall short to what I feel in my Head, right now as I hear Khushi telling me about everything she's felt in her head and heart to get to that point of realisation of having feelings for me, and I have also kissed her a couple of times, briefly for about thirty seconds or so, as she went onto tell me what she felt and thought of in her mind, tonight – as I came to the terrace and we first kissed.

I am beyond 'Enchanted' by the way her Head works, and how she tries to corelate things in her head as she tries to figure her feelings around a moment.

Guys, one thing I know for sure.

She's falling for me hard and fast too, I mean she may not be in Love with me yet like I am, but I feel like that the Supreme Courts of her Heart, will surely make her come around to that realisation soon, since now she's put them on the job for the same 24/7 right??

I mean, I am beyond just glad to know that I could make her feel all Euphoric within herself as if she was in a Live rock Concert in a Hot Air Ballon – tonight!!!!!!!!!!! She's surely getting there, to that point of deeply being in Love – where I already am.

The knowledge surely makes me a Happy Man.

I just hold onto her possesively by lacing my hands through hers, as she's finishing the last bit and I admit honestly, sincerely – " I am so glad you talked to me about all of this Khushi...see youv got me smiling and grinning like insane...I am so freaking Happy....you enchant me, Sparkle...you really do..."

Khushi rolls her eyes at me mischeviously – " okkk you are surely crazy to term my crazy inner rant as anything that could enchant you, for real ya My S....."and she pauses as she says – " Mr Stranger.."

But I had caught onto that as I ask narrowing my eyes at her – " I got that..ok? so don't cover up...call me what you were about too..please??"

Khushi hugs me shyly as she states – " okkk...fine...I was just about to say...My Stranger..."

I cup her face with both my hands and make her look up at me and kiss her madly and deeply for a couple of minutes. I pull back reluctantly as a thought returns to my head and I keep my forhead on hers, pulling her closer into my side and my hands laced with hers as I admit whispering against her lips – " I am sorry once again Sparkle, I hate that all that turmoil due to the situations around me put all of your insides into a collective state of blankness today....on that note...I do want to fill you in over the talk I had with Pia after I reached the hotel..."

She nods and clutches on my arm and says softly, keeping her eyes closed – " please go on...I just want to put my head on your shoulder as you talk to me about it...can i??"

I kiss her hand – " ofcourse Sparkle...."and she does put her head on my shoulder comfortably and I go on – " ok, so as I arrived at the hotel with the team , there was obviously a lot of media frenzy around, which I waded my way through silently and as I walked into the reception , I spotted Akash, Payal, Noor, waiting on for me already...I spoke to them for a bit and told them about my plan to talk to Pia about whatever it was in private and asked them not to worry about the same and just enjoy the afterparty....and that I would see them in a bit, and after that I finally made my way towards the back poolside of the hotel, for I had anticipated it to be empty and it was when I reached there, hence which is where I messaged Pia to come for a talk, because I obviously didn't want to call her to my room or go into her's, so..."

Khushi clutches on my hand as she says softly – "can I say something?? please? Before you go on."

I nod kissing on her hand.

She says sincerly – "nonetheless of what happened, or the turmoil I felt at seeing the two of your past moments together... I do really respect the fact that you asked Ravi to pass Pia the message that you didn't want to give a byte alongside her before only like at the stadium...as in otherwise it would have been publicly very embarrassing for her, surely...

I kiss her forhead –" thanks Khushi and to be honest, I did not want to be the one to ridicule her in public, nonetheless, even though I was so mad at her,for doing what she did..."

Khushi kisses on my hand – " and this just speaks volumes of who you are Arnav, as in you are courteous and a true gentleman at heart, which obviously is one of my favourites things about you, as well...you know that, don't you??"

I chuckle as I look at her – "really is it??"

She nods happily.

I ask with a wink – " and is that a statement coming from the high courts of the mind or the supreme courts of the heart??"

Khushi rolls her eyes at me playfully – " from both...like a collective combined decisive statement..ya..." and she pauses as she says, taking a deep breath – " and I do want to add one thing though I mean yes what she did caused me discomfort yes, but I don't think I would have felt better if she had been embarrassed in public by the grounds, because of the same, I mean as in I am all in for taking a stand and giving it back assertively if someone does something out of line, but that's what it is, it's not my thing to find happiness or peace in anyone else misery or lows or embarrassments...also whatever said and done the two of you do have a history and I can't change that right..."

I tuck her chin up and look into her eyes as I ask mischievously with a wink – " and whose fault is that huh??"

Khushi looks at me puzzled – " huh??"

I grin – " I mean its totally your fault...why didn't you walk into my life before huh?? Because trust me when I say this, If I would have met you before, id be as smitten as I was when we actually met ..so yeahh...then that way there wouldn't have been any history in the picture at all...with anyone else for that matter...it would have been just you and me..."

Khushi rolls her eyes as she says – " yeah yeah...as if..."

I kiss her instantly,briefly but very intently so that she can sense from the intense vibe that I pour into her lips, that I really meant that bit.

About two Minutes later, Khushi pulls back from my lips and kisses my cheek softly and says, resting her head back on my shoulder – " go on...please?? So then what happened?? She came to the poolside??"

I start to tell her – " so yeah...then she came there and she immediately realised by the taut anger on my face that what she did tonight was out of line and had really pissed me off and then I asked her straight up what it was all about and what did she want out of it and everything, and she did say that she broke up with the actor about two months ago, the one she had dated after we broke up, you know the one she cheated on me with"

Khushi nods clutching on my arm.

I continue taking a deep breathe – " so apparently the break up happened, because she walked in on him, cheating on her with someone else, about two months ago, which is when it hit her, how it kind of sucks to just feel like you'v been cheated on and she was all like – ever since that happened, I really did just want to get in touch with you to apologize for being the one to do that to you, but I was so embarrassed about it nonetheless and didn't know how to, and I was in Delhi today for shooting, so I thought, let me make the effort to come see you and apologize at least one more time in person, without being embarrassed about it and yes I wouldn't lie, ASR, I have realised what I lost in the process of momentary pleasure, and was hoping to just talk to you openly about it, that is if there is a chance if you could just forgive me ..." and I pause as I continue, clutching onto Khushi's hand – " and I was honest in telling her upfront that it wasn't about forgiveness, because it wasn't like i was still holding it against her or something, and had let go of it all long ago but forgiving did not mean that I would ever be ready to have her back in my life or something in any way whatsoever and I wouldn't even have had it that way even if I was single and hadn't met someone, and in the present day today, I had moved on and that is why her actions had seriously pissed me off...because they potentially did cause a lot of hurt and discomfort nonetheless to someone who is very close to my heart and is very important to me, nonetheless..."

Khushi asks softly – " you told her that??"

I nod kissing her forehead – " yes I did, and she obviously asked me straight up if it was Ayana and I told her that it wasn't her ofcourse, and I could not reveal more to her and it wasn't just because I respected my someone important's privacy it was also because I did not feel like talking to her about it too and she must come to terms to accepting and respecting that fact, since I had always been respectful and courteous towards her always, the least she could do was, just lets things be as they were in between of us...over...which also meant that I wanted her to delete everything she had posted up online as well and I also told her that I accepted only grace and courtesy in return from her in the situation and she better not go around talking about the fact that I have someone in my life out to the media or anything or even give a hint of it online or something, because if she did, she'd be undoubtedly pushing me into a situation that would make me let go of my gentleman's demeanour then...and the only reason why I still was being calm about it right now was because this time it was maybe something she did out of an unknown hope/presumption, but now that we had talked, she surely knew there was no scope of any excuse of any error from her end in the future....and she then deleted everything in front of me ofcourse, also apologized for the inconvenience caused for the same, to us both as in she asked me to pass on the message to my secretive someone...and did reassure me that something like this would never happen from her end, ever again......"and I turn to Khushi's side and I cup her face with both my hands tenderly brushing my thumb on her cheek gently but intently – " because I swear to gods, Sparkle if she or anyone does anything to make you uncomfortable, hurt you, or cause your turmoil, or do anything to invade your privacy, then It most definitely shall unleash a different tangent off wrath within me, which I might not be able to contain or control then...for you mean a lot to me, Khushi...you know that don't you??"

Khushi kisses on my hand gently as she says – " I know. And to be honest to you Arnav... I am just glad that you had the talk with Pia and by the sound of everything you just said, she did sound like she was sincere about it perhaps??"

I nod – " yes, I think so too...so everything's okay now..."

She asks now smiling at me narrowing her eyes – " and wait, can you tell me, how did you even get hold of Jess's no??"

I chuckle as I admit – " well through Anjlai ofcourse, she had it right, since Jess did meet up with her, with you after I left Nottingham.."

Khushi asks amused – " oh ofcourse yes, Anjali....but didn't she ask you why??"

I chuckle as I admit – " ofcourse she did, but I told her that I will tell her later why, and that she must share it with me since it was important something related to cricket matter only though..let's see ill figure out what to say to her if she asks...anyway so I obviously got in touch with Jess on text the minute I got her number and whilest she was helping me plan things out, I caught up with Akash, Payal, Noor and the rest of my team mates in the afterparty for a while as well and also yes...I did come across Ayana and I dropped her a subtle hint in one sentence that I was really disappointed because of the stuff stirring up online for no reason , and that if anyone asked me about it upfront, I am going to refute it outright so it would be better if she do the same, so that collectively the rumour's put a hold in the nub...she obviously agreed, since I made sure I told her that in front of half my teammates, and Akash, Payal and Noor too..."

Khushi grins and kisses my cheek – "really???? you handled that bit off it too???"

I nod as I admit – " I tried my best to Khushi, because anyway I couldn't get in touch with you, as in you were sleeping...so I was getting way to restless, because I couldn't wait to kickstart things for us officially, hence my eagerness to climb your hostel's gate in the middle of the night..."

Khushi chuckles and kisses my hand again and I continue – "and once Jess gave me the signal that everyone in the hostel here was asleep , I feigned being sleepy to everyone , telling them I'd catch up with them in the morning and asked them to continue enjoying the afterparty and made my way up to my room, changed into this creepy crawly burglar getup at the speed of light, and asked the hotels team to let me take on one of their rental cars out for a drive on a bit and made my way here...the cars parked in the parking lot down the curb from your hostel..like about 500 meters away, and then I walked here..."

Khushi grins as she says – "I still can't believe that you came here and how...Arnav...like really?? ohh wait....like oh my god are you here for real, or am I dreaming maybe?? Oh my god, this isn't a dream right??"

I chuckle as I cup her face and pull her closer into me – " well you tell me if this feels any real or like a dream...,"and I immediately pull her in for a deep kiss and she wraps her hands around my neck tenderly and starts to kiss me back , with equal fervour but before I could convert it into a deep prolonged kiss, both Khushi's and my phone vibrate in our pockets together.

Its obviously Jess.

How long have we been out here?

No clue.

I groan and Khushi immediately pulls apart reluctantly as she says, biting back her smile and picking out her phone – " omg...Arnav...its 330 am now...Jess says she finished binge watching an interesting documentary on Netflix already...shit ya I do feel all bad that she's been waiting on the stairs....lets go...I so have to thank her for this...like over and over again..."

I nod as I pull out my phone and text Jess that we would be done in 5 minutes, and I thank her too – once again.

I look up at Khushi as I say – " iv texted her to give me just five more minutes here with you..."

Khushi chuckles – " ya and im sure she texted you back take your time, no worries...I mean obviously what else will she say too you, you do know she's still fanzoned at the back of her head, knowing that My Mr Stranger is You..."

I nod and wink at her happily and i lean forward and pull her in a warm hug and kiss her head and I say, taking out the paracetamol strip of medicine from my backpocket – " and I know you had a tablet for your headache already Sparkle, as in Hridhaan did get one for you from the chemist...but...I do want you this keep this strip of paracetamols too, I do keep a couple of them in my travelling medicine kit......because you are travelling tomorrow back to Delhi scheduled to leave at 9am and I already kept you up, all late...so just incase you get an headache again..please keep this extra strip with you...as well..."

Khushi smiles warmly as she says holding onto the strip – " thank you so much Arnav...but trust me I am ok now, and I do have some on me in my kit as well...you please keep this, ok? since you have such a hectic schedule ahead...I know sometimes the body aches, muscles pains after a hectic game do feel better with a dose of a good old paracetamol...."

I open her hand as I keep the strip in it – " no...I am not taking this back..you are keeping it Khushi...i told you, I have more...ok?? and I can get them anytime and I know so can you, but please just keep this with you nonetheless..."

Khushi smiles as she takes it from my hand – " ok fine baba...I will...and oh on that note, you know what I so wanted to tell you this as in my phone was off no so couldn't text you and obviously it just slipped my mind as we got busy talking about us, I just remembered this as you mentioned Hridhaan so yeaaa...Shivi says she is going to come to Delhi soon, because Hridhaan has some meetings with some people at the Gurgaon Polo & Equestrian club as well, like in the coming weeks..so yeah...she's a sweet girl ya, she asked me and Jess if we would practice with her informally like when she would be visiting Delhi along with Hridhaan for a couple of days...and infact Shivi was saying that Ranjana aunty also as in their mom also might just come along with them, because she is so eager to catch up with Mom...and I think as much as I know Mom na...she's going to ask them to stay with us only...."

Ok Then.

Guys.

I am sure Mr. Polo planned all of his meetings to happen in Delhi tonight only. And of course, the Mom's connection is serving his purpose easily too.

I ask , trying to mask my inner turmoil - " okk, when did he say he was going to come to Delhi??"

Khushi – " didn't ask him the details ya...as in Shivi said, she will keep me updates on the same, since she obviously took my and Jess's no and everything...lets see..as in,anyway you know how after the the domestic seasons finishes on 30th in days from now , I do have to prep up for my BCom exams which are in between the 5 – 15th May , after which I am hoping to come see the IPL finals on the 18th of May, since I am totally rooting for Bangalore to reach the finals this time...no..."she finished with a playful wink.

I nod at her and pull her close immediately and kiss her again – mindlessly, madly and deeply for about three minutes or so, until our phone vibrates in our pockets again and we pull apart and Khushi heaves keeping her forehead on mine – "I think we should go now...Arnav...I mean...it is getting really late no..."

I admit honestly with a sigh – " I don't want to leave..."

She nods kissing on my hand – " I know...I don't want you to leave too...but...."

I look into her eyes as I say – "I am going to see you soon too ok? we will figure something out..."

Khushi nods – " yes okay...c'mon ill walk you to the gate now..."

I shake my head as I say – " no...you wont, its really late in the night...ok? you take the inner passage back into the hostel into your room and ill take the other outdoor servicing staircase...and go back the way I came in...ok??"

Khushi says – " no ya...let me walk you to the backgate atleast.."

I say, hugging her har into my side as we get up – " no Sparkle please??it's really late...don't worry about me..."

Khushi nods and hugs me hard – " okkk fine, but message me from the car ok?? and then when you reach the hotel...ill obviously be awake, you know the High courts and the Supreme Courts of my being wont let me sleep just yet..for they will be day dreaming in gleee...they are under your enchantment too no..."

I grin as I kiss her forhead – " oh really?? are they now??

Khushi nods.

I wink at her – " call me, My Stranger one more time , please? Before I leave??"

She grins and winks and holds my hand and walks me to the service staircase and says – " My Stranger,cmon...now go go..go...."

I nod at her and pull her into a brief hug and kiss her briefly again for five seconds and then make my way down the staircase, and sprint my way towards the backgate quickly and climb it up and jump over it and walk to the car and a couple of minutes later just as I get into the driving seat. My Phone Beeps.

Her : Arnav...you in the car na??? As in no trouble in getting out of here na??

I smile as I text.

Me : No trouble at all Sparkle. Just got into the car, about to start the engine. You back in the room?? Thank Jess one more time for me please? I surely will once again on text as well as when I see her next.

Her : yes yes I will thank her obviously, on your behalf as well.Pakka* infinity se.Please text me when you reach the hotel. I am awake for a bit, will only sleep after texting with you for a bit after you reach the hotel Arnav...

Me : Pakka * infinity se? really?? are you not sleep though?? you have to get up earlier Sparkle.

Her : ufff...don't you pull my leg again...right now...you obviously know that I am not going to get any sleep because of the Live Euphoric Rock Concert going on in my insides na...and know what Arnav?

Me : what Sparkle??

Her : I want you to know that even when I sleep tonight, I shall sleep with the goofiest grin up my face for sure and its all because of You.Cmon now, don't text back abhi...please drive safely.Message when you reach...I shall be waiting...

Me : ok Khushi.will surely text you the minute I am in the room.Driving now.

Her : be safe please..its really late in the night..

Me : I will be...don't worry..k?

Her : Okiesssss Arnav...now cmon don't text back...drive..drive...drive...(she adds a heart)

I chuckle as I keep my phone aside and switch on my Engine with a huge grin curved up my lips, backed with a feeling a lot of Happiness and Contentment consume my Heart.

Yup.

I really am right – everyone.

List me as the Highest Level of Goner – in Love Indeed.

And Oh – while you are at it – add the word 'Enchanted' in there as well, will you Please?

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

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. Will be eager to know what you all think??

Next Update : will try my level best to Give one on Saturday Night(but a short one though), since wont be posting On Monday next week as its my Son's bday on 28th!! He is turning- Fourrr!! 😊.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

The first kiss and she was so unsure of herself. Performance anxiety at its worst. But it worked out well.

Awesome Happy Birthday to your Son🎂🎉🎉

Hellooo everyoneeeee...

Okkkkk....so as I was thinking about the whole Issue with a BoT site mirroring Wattpad, I did have this thought in mind, that this is technically a problem being face by a lot of writers on Wattpad and Wattpad on the whole, and maybe as long as my work is being Mirrored under my Wattpad Username - it cannot be technically be termed as like a Blatant Plagirism, and also keeping all of that in Mind - as I mentioned in the previous note, its like no platform Online is completely safe, and I guess I just Gotta embrace this Mirroring issue as a Flipside of Posting work up Online as there are two sides to a coin Always, so as good as technology can benefit us by giving us a wider platform online and freedom of writing out our plots and stories / there's the other side of the coin that's like an opportunity cost that comes in the form of global technological risks involved in the same process as well.

But nonetheless we must take steps towards safeguarding our work as much as we can, from our End, and do our Bit. And in this case I have taken a couple of steps -as in reporting all this matter about the Mirrored website issue to the concerned authorites and at the same time, I also do want to now incorporate measures to keep an open eye for Blatant Plagirism where in people as in individuals can claim ones work to be theirs and post it up claiming it to be theirs another different usernames and, identities on various platforms, hence here on I will be including Copyright Notices in every update as well, as well as in the very Introductions of my Works.

So as of now, as I had written a 4k word Update already of the next Chapter 22 - I am posting that as up as, Chapter 22.1 (Part 1) - because that's what my Hearts Guiding me to do!! The Second Part of this Chapter will come on Tuesday. Apologies guys for Splitting the Chapter into Two parts, but that way atleast I am able to post one Tonight as - promised.

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc - since I have not proofread.

I shall let you all dive in without - further Delay

.......

Copyright Disclaimer :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2020

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

** If you are reading this work/story on any other platform other than Wattpad/India Forums, especially TRUYEN4U.net then you are very likely to be at a risk of a Malware Attack for these sites are Mirror sites - who are reflecting our work through a malware lens. If you wish to read this Story in its Orignal, Safe, form, please go to Wattpad/ India Forums.**

Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

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

CHAPTER 22.1 - A PROMISORY 'SUMMON' (Part 1)

Next day(25th April, 2019) - 630 PM

Arnav's POV

I smile and wink at Ravi, and gesture him to get on the team bus first, and I follow him next and step on the bus to join the rest of our team-mates, and our coaches and support staff, who had already made their way in, as we waded our way through the media, that had been awaiting outside the arrivals terminal at Chennai.

Yup.

Guys.

We just landed into Chennai for we have a match with the Chennai team, scheduled for tomorrow at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium. Also, please note - I am also smiling a little extra for two reasons. One,I am very satisfied with the little media exchange I just had with a couple of Media reporters, as they tried to corner me with the topics related to Ayana and Pia. Two - I am pretty sure, at the back of my Head, that Khushi's probably already caught onto it already, and is probably in splits over it right now, and maybe Cap is all grinning about it too. ( I can't wait to catch up with him too, as in when I see him at the Hotel.As I stated earlier, in the very beginning - I am quite close to Cap in both our equations, personal and professional.)

I grin at everyone, as I high five my team-mates and support staff who had taken their seats in the frontal rows and aisles of the bus as usual, and chat with them a little along the way, as they tell me how I was at my cheekiest best with the media today, and I thank them each for their wonderful support as always. As a unit, each of us as players, at times, goes through this constant media/social media scrutiny and analysis with matters related to a range of things, which don't usually stay limited to our performances on the field,(for someone out there always finds a way to connect a dot with the things that are very personal to us and even though we have mentally conditioned ourselves to get used to it, there are times, it can be overwhelming of course and that is why I have tried my best as Skipper at developing a team culture that incorporates this unsaid bro-code in our teams(both in the Bangalore team, and also in the Men in Blue's dressing rooms) - that we will all as individuals in the team do our best(in ever little way that we can), to be collectively supportive to one another, as and when any member of the team faces these things, because we have all seen from our experiences that sometimes these things can obviously play with your mind.

I thank everyone once again and make my through to the last row on the bus, which is where I mostly prefer to sit. Also,yes, there surely is an increase in pace in my stride for a very important reason ofcourse - everyone. The reason being the fact that I cannot wait to just settle in my seat, so that I can resume chatting with My Sparkle, (who is at her Home in Delhi, for the day, and will shift into the hostel with the rest of the team tomorrow morning, as they get into massive practice for the next two days to get prepped up for the second semi-finals of their domestic season on the 28th April. She's also waiting for my message. Since we obviously got into a quick chat as I landed and I told her by the end of it that I'd text her from the bus, since our ride time to the Hotel was about 35 minutes, from the airport).

I see Ravi plonk in the seat next to me as he winks, looking into his phone and grins - " it's not even been four minutes, and your cheeky couple of liners exchange with the media, has already gone viral online..."

I grin and wink at him as I dish out my phone too and I ask him, opening up to my whatsapp, knowing that I will have messages waiting from My Sparkle already about the same - "really??? has Cap seen it too??"

Ravi winks - " yes, of course, he just posted the initial bit of your clip online on his Insta saying - that he totally reciprocated your emotions on the reunion and was awaiting your arrival at the Hotel too...hold on...I am just going to comment saying - how unfair is it off him to just await your arrival. I mean what about me???"

We share a warm laugh.

He looks into his phone and grins - "damm this is fun, Rohan is already having a ball on this as well, he's commented how he's so, disappointed he's the one who is in Mohali right now...and will miss onto the bro-mance..."

We share a warm laugh again.

Ok.Everyone.

I think before I get consumed into chatting with My Sparkle. I think it is only fair as I give you all a brief context over the cheeky couple of liners, I had exchanged with the media reporters.

So as we were wading our way out, a lot of our teammates, were surrounded and being asked about the game preparations for tomorrow with the match with Chennai etc, and I had obviously given a heads up to everyone that I was just going to walk through it all silently, because I had anticipated that the minute I would say anything, the topic might just get shifted to Pia or Ayana, in the next sentence. However, right before our team bus pulled up in front of us, Coach sir, asked me to join him in collectively answering to a media reporter, and I obviously could not, not join him. And well, as I had anticipated, the minute we finished talking about the game and cricketing preparations, the first question that was asked off me was - "ASR, please tell us, how was it seeing Pia last night. I mean should we all get ready to celebrate a Re-union?"

I had smiled politely and replied - " oh yes you surely should get ready to celebrate a reunion - but not a one that involves Pia and me, for that's surely long over buddy and is going to stay that way, but I surely assure you that there's another reunion that I am very excited about and that is the one that involves My Golden Captain, and me, you know since I haven't been able to catch up with him much in person ever since the IPL began since we play for different sides ...and today is the day we meet after quite bit...so I am obviously beyond just excited and can't wait to get to the Hotel actually. You all know I love him..." and I had winked straight at the camera as I added - " Cap...wait up for me for that evening round off coffee...ok? I will be there soon...just about 35- 40 minutes.."

Another reporter had immediately asked - " ASR, that's a cheeky way to evade our attention ofcourse, and okay since you say that Pia and You really are long over and it stays that way, then can you tell us, is it that it stays that way because you have met someone else perhaps? A someone named Ayana Mehra.."

I had chuckled amused as I had replied, shrugging my shoulders - " did you just ask me a question and state the answer off it, almost pretty much yourself buddy?? I mean that's amusingly presumptuous, indeed..."

The reporter prompted again - "so you mean, there's no potential brew up in there in between of Ayana and You then??"

I had chuckled as I admitted shrugging my shoulders and grinning - "there isn't definitely, and surely not a one that I know of/or am an active participant off Buddy,"

The Reporter prompted again - "but there are speculations that..."and I had cut him short in between as I had said - " ahhh...yes I am surely aware of that...but last I checked up on my vocabulary knowledge, there's surely a stark difference in between the definitions of a speculation vs the truth right?? I mean that's what I remember buddy, but you tell me if the dictionary's and thesauruses of the world have changed their definitions on the two aspects...I mean, maybe you would know better since cricket consumes my mind so much that I could be wrong in my wordly vocabulary knowledge.."

The reporter had smiled sheepishly as he had said - "well, the definitions of the two in the dictionary's and thesaureses do remain the same ASR...there isn't a change in that.."

And I had winked at him mischeviously and patted his arm, sportingly and said - " and thank you so much for clearing that up for me, buddy..,"and right then I had looked back at Coach Sir, DB, Ravi, Sherma from my team who were around me, grinning and had said - " but guys, nonetheless how about we make a stop by a bookstore on the way to the hotel so that I can pick on a pocket dictionary as well, to brush up my knowledge base in Vocab,..you know since I mostly live, breathe and think cricket and the game's vocab...I think I need a round of brush up on the rest for sure..."and I had then turned to the reporter and he was grinning himself as he spoke into the mike - " cheeky and yet so polite and subtly assertive in always stating your point across ASR. We get it...you are obviously annoyed because of the speculations and rumours and how the Q&A's often get diverted from Cricket, which gives us your answer clearly for now that there's probably no truth in it at all, "and I had replied with a wink and a grin - " and this is exactly where I want to channelise the KBC host avatar of Bachan Sir and say to you my friend...that you've just won yourself the million dollar price money, for that was the right answer coming from you, indeed..." and that had made not only us all but the reporter and everyone else from the media around, crack into a laughter as well and then I had asked him politely that if he had any other cricket or game related questions he could surely ask me or any of us from the team for a couple of minutes, for the team bus was pulling up and we had to leave. And what followed then was an exchange of couple of Q&A's that were strictly related to the Game and Leagues progression, before we all started to make our way into the Bus.

I hear Ravi say now as he plugged in his earphones as the bus starts to move - " ok, I know you need this time to chat with your secretive someone...so I am just going to listen to some music and have some fun on Insta in comments...although I can't believe you wouldn't tell us all, who she is, even though the two of you are now officially together.."

Guys - this morning as I had caught up with everyone over breakfast and after - I had given a heads up to Ravi, Noor, Payal and Akash that I was now seeing someone that I was really serious about, but I had to keep it a secret for her sake a little longer and would talk to them about her identity soon. Akash and Noor had obviously given me the look - that they would get it out of me sooner or later for sure but were happy for me nonetheless when I had assured them that my equation with my secretive someone, truly felt all right and made me very happy too.

I smile at Ravi as I say - " sorry brother...I don't mean to hide it, but the situation around us just requires a little cover for now, you will know when I tell you who she is, and it won't take you a minute to understand her reasons for the same.."

Ravi smiles and pats my arm - " don't worry about it at all Arnav, we can see that you are very happy with her, and that's what matters to us at the end of the day..."

I thank him and gesture to him that I am about to get busy on text now and he nods grinning and returns his attention to his phone too.

Also please Note everyone - I have now changed Khushi's code name in my phone from C.22 to Sparkle.

I finally open my Chat box with her - Grinning.There's a message awaiting from her to be read - obviously.

Her : (laughing emoticons)Okkk this is exactly where I reinstate the point I once made with such great conviction. Ask me what point..the minute you see the message k?? I am not texting you about it pehle se..(laughing, winkings emoticons).

I chuckle as I reply.

Me : what point, Sparkle? Also, the bus just left the airport. You free right? We do have a good 30 mins for chat..

Her : yes yes Arnav..i am free...but only for twenty minutes thike? Because I have to get working on something very important that I need to finish up working on before we get on the video call tonight, as in I just got the idea for it five minutes pehle..and I do want to get on with it, because then I will be with Dad and Mom no as we watch the match in between Mumbai and Punjab...please please pretty please don't ask me what is it that I am about to start working on abhi like on text...I will obviously tell you, but in the night....also...take a guess on the former point na??(wink emoticons)

I chuckle as I read that and I obviously know what she wants to say.

Me : okay..Sparkle...my guess on the former point is that this is exactly where you want to say that - now you know why I called you Mr.Kind Yorker back then in time.

Her : ahaaa...are you sure Skipper Blue?? Of your answer?? I mean shall we lock it?? You do know its like that million-dollar question on KBC.

I grin.

Me : yes I know Sparkle...lock it, and c'mon tell me...did I win the price money....?

Her : please know I do aim to create a little suspense with those dhaa dhaa sounds, that actually come in KBC haha...for a bit...like so I am just going to say...wait for it...like five seconds...imagine those suspense noises in your head, will you please?? Like pakka se imagine...like hurry na...

I chuckle to myself.

Me : okk done Sparkle. Imagined.

Her : and you just won yourself a million dollars Skipper Blue. (winksssss), for you were right once again...as in you read my thoughts...I obviously wanted to say that you were totally like a Mr.Kind Yorker in your reply to those reporters...I obviously caught onto it live because I am in Dad's study just now no..and he had a news channel on, on the TV...and please know it took every bit off my pretence mode to act all clueless and not burst into splits in front of dad...as in I was in splits...but more like in my head...dad was all like,super impressed and went all like ASR handled it so well...he does know how to put his point across subtly, without ever offending the person on the other end...its rare...indeed...

Me : really? was uncle impressed? I wonder what his reaction will be when he comes to know about how I feel about You and US...Sparkle...do you wonder the same?

Her : I knowwwwwww rightttt!! I mean yes...I was just wondering the same too.....alsoo yes...I do want to tell you something though..as in I was waiting for you to get on the bus, so that I could update you on the same, like araam se as in..it happened while you were on the flight...and please don't be mad at me for this,ok? like it was inevitable for me to get out the situation....

Wait. Could this be about Mr.Polo -Hridhaan?

My insides Groan.

Me : you know I can't be mad at you Sparkle...please tell me what is it...

Her : pakka* infinity promise please?? You promise you won't be mad at me...because what I am about to tell you can come across as unexpected to you...

Me : Promise * Infinity - Sparkle.Now..cmon tell me...

Her : okay so here it goes...(please imagine me almost biting into my nails nervously as I type it out to you) and noooo...don't grin too much and think about starting to take my case on this...because you have to read what I type next first...also please know in advance that this is like totally your fault as in , you'v got me going all crazy in happiness and euphoria as I have been in a perpetual daydream mode because of You (you know since I just can't stop thinking about US and last night),and all because of that I'v been smiling and grinning like an idiot to myself ever since I reached home...so Mom like obviously caught onto it and she cornered me in my room as I woke up from my nap around 5ish and was all like - ok khushi...whats up?? You were even smiling in your sleep just now...what is this about?? Something happened on this Jaipur trip that you want to talk to me about....and well then I couldn't help it okay....as in ...you know I do tell Mom like everything...so I just talked to her a little bit about us as in like cryptically... as in I just obviously told her that I had met someone a couple of months ago and everything and were getting to know each other through being connected otherwise like virtually, and now it just feels like, I am starting to like this person a lot lot * infinity more than I could ever imagine....and the reason why she sees me smiling in my sleep is because this person just makes me very Happy...so yeah...but we are taking our time in figuring things out(as in I didn't tell her that we are now like together and dating and everything, I just wanted to build up the context first, so that when I actually tell her that I am dating someone, she doesn't freak out much for now...) and I obviously asked her to keep it a secret from dad(she said she would)...okkk this is exactly where I pause to check...if you aren't mad at me for this...Arnav...as in about giving a hint to Mom about..US...

I grin to myself as I read that. Is she crazy to think I'd be mad at reading this?

I am beyond - Elated.

Me : why would you think I'd be mad reading this Sparkle? I am beyond Elated. Or make that Elated * Infinty.

Her : reallyyyyy????? Omg...thank god....i am so relieved now.also...elated *infinfity?????????????like for real??

Me : yes really Khushi. Ask me why?

Her : why???

Me : because I also did give a heads up to Ravi, Noor, Payal and Akash, this morning and also had a talk with Anjali about the same too that I am seeing someone now that I am really into deeply, but would like to keep her identity secret for now and would get around to telling them soon about it. I will be telling Rohan and Cap the same thing too, since you know I am close to them.I do want them to know that I have met and am officially with someone who makes me very happy and lights up my Life...so obviously I am beyond just elated to know that you felt comfortable about US enough - to drop a hint to aunty about this...also you aren't mad at me for telling everyone what I did at my end right? and I would like to steal your words here and say that this was totally your fault too, because you see I'v been grinning for months while typing away into my phone and have never been happier...they obviously picked up on it...

Her : and you are crazy to think I'd be mad at reading that Arnav..i am obviously elated * infinity as well and totally back to grinning...like an idiot...ok I think I need to reduce the intensity of my grin a little bit, before Dad picks up on the obvious and asks me about it...

Me : godammit Sparkle. Can't tell you how much I miss you already....i can't stop thinking about you...

Her : I miss you too Arnav...and please know that I obviously haven't been able to stop thinking about you too...

I smile as I read that.

Me : also I don't want to stop thinking about you...cant wait to have you in my arms again and ravage your lips with mine. Insane. What have you done to me dammit...?

Her : I don't want to stop thinking about you too...is the reply to the former bit...and to the latter...it is just......................

Me : does that latter bit of ......mean that you are blushing insane as you read that, Sparkle?and drinking up on water to hide it because you are next to Uncle?

Her : hawwwwwwwwww...how do you know??

I grin as I write.

Me : well, I just know you in and out- Don't i?

Her : oh yes that you do...acha listen...now I gotta go ok...like in five minutes...k? remember I have to work on that thing...are you reaching the hotel soon too? You are obviously going to catch up with Cap and get busy in all of that too right??

Me : yes....planning to watch on the game with Cap only...also yes will be reaching the hotel in ten maybe...not too much traffic...also why not give me a hint on what this is about...as in what is it that you want to work on before we get on the videocall tonight??

Her : ufffff....no....don't ask me for hints na Arnav...like pleaseeee wait wait...na....

Me : c'mon Sparkle, just a little Hint will not harm. Is it Anything related to Channel 1 or 2 ????cricket, or Rahul or Anjali or our families?

Her : haha...very clever Captain...if I answer this you will obviously know....by the process of elimination in your guesses....okkk fine...ill give you an obvious hint...its about Channel 34 ok which means this is important and it's about US...now you please wait...and give me time to get working on this...k??

I grin as I read that.

Me : aha...I liked what I read Sparkle...about us it is..

Her : yes...and very important too....now I am going off ok..tata for now...speak soon.....and yes we are still on for our chat through the match though as we watch obviously and discuss cricket...but lets discuss about the Channel 34 ka topic when we videocall later...thike? Tata for now...

Me : ok Khushi...its strange though...you haven't left the chat and I miss you already...

Her : copy that Arnav...copy that....(okkkk bbyyeee for reallll...ughh whats wrong with me, like I say I have to go but I just don't feel like leaving too....what are you doing to me haan??) pakka and final bye - for a bit.acha listen you don't reply only...you will reply and then I will get talking to you...then I wont be able to work on this thing I want too....i will text you in an hour...ok?

I smile to myself as I read that as I put my phone back into my pockets and look out the window - grinning.

How could I not feel this Happy?

Also, I can't help but wonder what she is upto and is going to talk about tonight, on the video call.

Just Can't bloody wait to find out.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Part 1 of Chapter 22 Guysssss?? (wink winkkkkk.....)

Let me know what you guys think as always, you all know I love reading your feedback and comments. Any theories on what Khushi is upto?

Next Update : will be giving on Tuesday Night.As Monday is my Son's bday!! He is turning- Fourrr!! 😊.Thank you all for your lovely wishes for him.

Wish you all a Happy weekend. I am so happy to post this Tonight.Made an conscious effort to adapt to a tricky speedbreaker faster.(He He...wink wink)

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

Tadaaaaaa!!!!!!

Let

Khushi wants to let her mom knows about Arnav. Maybe not mention the name, but still. That means things are serious from her side.

Wonder what is working on superb update

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

And...So here I am today , with the Second Part of Chapter 22 – which is 5K words....

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

Also OMG – how many of you watching the Matches? IPL? Like the last two matches were like so freaking High on Thrill. Punjab vs Rajasthan was rocking one as well and Specially the one last night in between of RCB and Mumbai got me going Crazyyyy...(Ooh my Racing Heartbeats in that Superover...so glad Kohli clinched the wink with the Four...wink wink)

Okkkk I shall now stop my Crazy about Cricket Rant. And let you all Dive in without further Delay.

..........

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

CHAPTER 22.2 – A PROMISSORY 'SUMMON' (Part 2)

Hours later - Midnight

Arnav's POV

I walk into my room, and close the door shut quickly. And first thing out – I message Khushi.

I Just Cannot Stop – Grinning.

Me: hey you...Sparkle....I just got into my room, are we good to connect soon on our video call. I can't wait to freaking see you – now.I miss you.

My phone beeps.

Her : hey youuuu My Stranger...yes we are good to connect soonish, like in just five minutes, I am just walking back to my room, after wishing mom and dad, night for the day. I don't think Dad will be able to get any sleep for another hour though. Also I like the fact that you mentioned – you miss me, even though we were on chat like a while ago as the match ended, and wait – weren't we also texting as much as we could throughout the match discussing cricket ?

I chuckle to that as I text back – walking to my bed and plonking myself up on it – comfortably.

Me : Sparkle, that last couple of minutes chat as Mumbai won the match doesn't count, for we were all so consumed in the frenzy of it eventually on both our sides, and yes even though we were texting throughout the match as much we could – I still miss You. Because, you see we were tuned into Channel 1 right? talking and discussing Cricket and the game, so I obviously just can't wait to switch to our Channel 34 now. Also really, Uncle won't be able to get any sleep for another hour... and why is that Sparkle?

Her : haha...(Wink emoticons) as if you don't have a hint to that why yaaa Arnav!!Well its so Freaking Obvious.You know how Dad always gets super excited over close matches, specially the one's that go to the last ball, and wasn't the match between Mumbai and Punjab just freaking Nail thrilling. My Guess is – he is totally going to make Mom watch the hightlights of it all and the post match discussions by the Panel etc, for another hour or so. He might just also watch the repeat telecast of that last roller coaster of an Over. I mean 1 ball and 2 runs!! I think Dad was also secretly praying for a Super Over – and I was like No way Dad – you all in the audience definitely enjoy the thrill of that, but you have no clue what do us sportspersons go through on the field in the intense nerve crackling gaming emotional energies in such close gamessss...

I grin as I read that.

Me : yes ofcourse Sparkle.Cap, Ravi and me were just discussing literally the same thing after the match. Rohan was obviously grinning by the end of the win, and in the post-match presentation and everything – but his super tense and anxious face from the dug outs on the last two balls of the over – gave his gaming emotions to us away, because we obviously understand! Close matches are obviously like a very intense emotional battle within our heads – game wise. Cap and me were all joking amongst ourselves how it's going to be one of us, feeling that way on the field tomorrow in the dug outs and then we were just having a laugh over how the world, just likes to keep pitting us against one another by talking about all those gaming rivalries/ego issues – when we are playing the IPL – when in every true sense, both of us like almost every player, plays the IPL for the immense experience we gain out of it because of the range of national and international diversity in the players pool – as its served as an amazing platform to bring out new talent to light, every year. I mean, I love the fact that – IPL is the one league , when Cap is right behind me in games, keeping the stumps, watching my footwork so closely because often after the season- I sit with him in a one on one, and discuss with him – as to which front-foot /backfoot shots of mine, do I need to get more work done on in the nets – as we progress into the Cricketing year ahead, for India.The whole – rivalry bit is so freaking – Pointless, I tell you – because in our heads, we are all pretty sorted about the dynamics of the IPL.

Her: oh my god – Arnav you are totally right about that as in the media pitting the IPL rivalry against the two of you or all other men in blue players who are Captains in the league for that matter, I mean – the media was already on and on about it online, which is crazy – because they all know that eventually you all go back to being grouped and synced into One side of the Men in blue – after(picking up on various learnings learnt from playing different franchises and incorporating that in the national team, eventually). So, what's really the point off trying to portray an image of an unnecessary rift when it doesn't even exist? Its just a sad tool used for stirring up attention – Indeed.

I smile as I read that.

Me : Yup Khushi, it's a sad tool – indeed.Also are you in the room now?

Her : Yes just got into my room like two minutes ago already..Arnav...

I quickly Video Call her. She cuts the Call.

Me : Sparkle?? Why are you cutting the call?

Her : ohoo..Arnav...wait na...like two minutes. I am just working on the final touches on what I am about to send you on email...and the minute I tap send, I shall video call you. You have your laptop or tab with you right? please keep it next to you...jaldi se.

I grin and I get up to take out my Tablet from its charging station and get back to the bed- as I reply to her.

Me : okk, just plugged my tab off Charge right now Sparkle.but an email? At this time? You made some new notes? As in the cricketing notes that you want to share??

Her : okkk...so yes....I do want to share something with you...but its not like cricketing notes...its like something special which is kind off exclusive to Channel 34..remember? I hinted you?? so yup...there it goes.... it's in PDF format, Arnav. Check your email. Also am video-calling you.

Wait. What – is she sharing something on Email – with regards to Us?? Can't wait to find out what she's come up with now. I grin as I open my Mailbox, and my Phone Buzzes with Khushi on the Videocall too the very next second.

I pick up the call first – obviously, as the mailbox is refreshing. And just as her grinning, happy face fills up my screen, I wink at her as I say – " Ok...so who says its past midnight right now Sparkle? The world's just lit up around me. I think its morning, and pretty much the time – when the Sun is shining it's brightest. Perhaps??" and I spot her blushing already so I wink again as I say – " this is exactly where I say, that I can't wait to kiss you again, already..."

Khushi chuckles happily as she leans back into her pillows too and says, blushing – " ohhh god...stop ya Arnav...please...like can you not distract my Insides with the memory of that, for right now...like just for a bit...for I obviously want you to see what I have shared with you...cmon now...check up on your mailbox already...I am a little nervous over your reaction..."

I ask, without looking into my mailbox yet – " you are nervous about my reaction? Why??"

Khushi says sheepishly, with sincerity reflecting in her eyes and every inch of her face – " to be honest, I am nervous because I don't know what you will think off it no...but because this is the first time I have gotten into a relationship, I just wanted to share this with you from my end you know...as in because I just want you to know that I really will give it my all, to make it work all smoothly in between of us...so basically, just consider the document to be a Promissory Summon written by me to you – on the directions backed by the the High Court of My Mind + the Supreme Court of my Heart...and you will know why I called it the Promissory Summon and not a Promissory Note – by the end of it, as you finish reading it....soo cmon, go on now...please read it...."

Wait.

What?

She wrote me a Promissory Note? Or Correction Promissory Summon?

Ok this was another First – that kind of touched another non-existent string within my Heart, that just came to life as our eyes stayed locked as she talked about this to me.

I smile, as I am consumed with a lot of emotions and I say – " okk I am going to open my email now, and you need to stop looking so adorable and bewitching to my eyes right now, through the screen, or I am afraid, I might just borrow Superman's Cape and fly to Delhi from Chennai just now and fly back in the morning, after I have kissed you all night and held you in my arms to my heart's content...although...my hearts never going to have enough of those moments with you anyway..."

Khushi smiles warmly as she says ,grinning– " ok baba...i shall try to not look at you with my widened expressive eyes just now...then, because even if you borrow Superman's Cape...Skipper Blue...you obviously don't have any training in flying no..."

I chuckle as I wink at her – " and that's too bad, Sparkle...I mean if I had some training on that , it surely would have helped us, given our situation right??"

She chuckles happily – " yes it would have surely helped us, Arnav...now c'mon go on...read it na...and it's like you don't have to say anything until you've finished reading it ok, as in lets talk about it after you finish reading the whole thing..k? it isn't like very long or something...anyway..."

I nod as I say – " Ok Sparkle...so that's me, opening up the document just now, for its finished downloading..."

She grins and gestures me to read On.

I do.

And my Heart is Consumed with a lot of intense emotions immediately as the First Title – page of the PDF Document reads the Heading.

A Promissory Summon – **SUPER EXCLUSIVE TO CHANNEL 34**

Written/Backed by the Direction Off : The High Courts of My Mind + the Supreme Courts of My Heart.

I Look up at Khushi and our eyes lock instantly and just as I am about to say something, she says – " ohhooo...Arnav...please ya...read the full thing pehle..no...I am super nervous about this..."

I say locking my eyes with her's – " you are crazy to be nervous though, I have'nt even turned the page yet Sparkle, and I know that whetever you'v penned down in this, is already going to make me feel a lot of emotion..."

Khushi chuckles as she says – "really?? you already know?? even before reading it?? How??"

I wink at her, overwhelmed happily – "I can sense it, Sparkle."

Khushi smiles and says softly – " please go on..."

I do.

I scroll down to the next page in the Document.

And I can't help but Smile as my eyes Fall on the first Line of What's Written.

........

** Khushi's Promissory Summon**

To My Stranger, who is technically not like A Stranger at all anymore...

Why this Summon ? : Arnav, please know that earlier this evening, I was thinking about talking to you about all the things that I have kind off listed in this Note, tonight, but then all of a Sudden I got this Idea in My Head – that why note just pen this down and share it with you, well because you already know how I am like so thourough with my details and Note- Taking, and everything...so yeah...I was like why Not? ( and also to be very honest – since this is like the first time I am in a relationship, I really have no prior experience on how to go about these things right?? so in such a scenario – I just thought that its maybe best to just follow my Heart and Gut on what I want to do. Please know that I am more than comfortable in sharing what could probably come across as a little crazy way of stating things out to you, and that's only because you already know that I am a Charlie Chaplin+ Comedy Circus anyway..right? so yeah...it most definitely shall not be like a shocker to you anyway and you will all be like – Nothing New About Khushi's craziness anyway.....

Format of the Summon : Arnav... Please know, that I did resort to Google's help and everything , as I literally did download like a formal Promissory Note template and everything that is kind of like legally bound by law and everything – but then I was like – oh Khushi, just use that for Reference, since this is like the first time you are making such a Thing – so it should totally be in like an exclusive unique template that Your Inner Courtrooms guide you to Frame and it should also be totally Unfiltered and should include all that you want to say as is – transparently..

Contents of this Summon: Ok, so Yes...as the name Suggests – Promissory in there...I am sure that you have guessed that the contents of this Summon, kind of include a set of Promises that I want to make to you, as we are now like exclusive broadcast/transmission partners in our very Special Channel 34..so yes...here I go...there are Five main Promises that I wanted to List out, for Now...

· Promise 1.0 – First thing out, I do want to say that I shall always give it like my bestest always, to make sure that the communication in between of us, always stays as clear, and prompt and transparent as it is. Because communicating, openly to one another, like we do right now – will surely help us a lot, going forward right? I mean you already know that I cannot stay without talking to you – anyway.But what I mean to say is – that never will I ever, keep a Secret from You, like Ever. I will always tell you – everything with all the details.(and Dude yes...permission granted for a little boredom to you like well in advance k? as in you are obviously allowed to get bored and everything when I jabber non- stop – about details and everything...because well I am obviously aware that I am a ChatterBox)

· Promise 2.0 – Second thing Out, I do want to say that I will make sure that I am always with you in your Low's, especially. I mean I am obviously going to be there with you in the High's too. But what I mean is, that I wouldn't mind catching up a little late on a moment of high or when you are all consumed in Happiness around you, but It's the Low's that I want to be the first one you talk to, and be the first one to support you through it...( I mean I know we have this age difference and at times you might think I may not be able to look at a situation as maturely as you...but I promise that I shall try to look at it with a birds eye perspective always). Please know that I promise to hold your hand tighter, when the lows come your way...and I shall support you as you wade through it...nonetheless.

· Promise 3.0 – Third, thing out and Super Duper Important that I want to state clearly (since I know you have been through this before). Trust is kind off like a building block of every relationship no Arnav? I know I can trust you and I do, you know I do, I will never ever judge a situation or make any presumptions without listening to your side of the things and I want you to know that you can Trust me too.I promise to stay faithful and Loyal to Just You – for as long as we are Together. You are very special to me and mean like a lot to me Arnav, and I want you to know that I totally understand that Most part of our Relationship is going to be Long Distance , because of both our job profiles, and I just want you to be Secure about it in your Head – that I will never ever do anything to break that ever so delicate Thread of Trust in between of US. It's You- who matters to Me. It's You whose got this Super Special Lavish Chamber in the works – that the builders within the insides of my Heart have been busy in building up accommodations for. You have to like , have to know that. Oh wait – scratch the word out, Chamber please. The Builders within the Chambers of my Heart are totally building this High Rise Building for You. The Supreme Courts of my Heart would like to call to name the High Rise Building as – Dynasty34.( Haha...you know why Dynasty34 ? because the architects and designers and the builders of my heart have decided that apparently the building in the works is going to be like a Huge one, so might as well just call it a Dynasty No! and 34 obviously because it rhymes with our Channel34.

· Promise 4.0 – I do not Promise to be like a Perfect girlfriend or something Arnav..because well I know, that Perfection is subjective ofcourse...its like this hypothetical image that we often keep chasing and in the event of doing so, we forget to embrace our imperfections as humans along the way. I know I am not like this perfect person, I have flaws and everything, but nonetheless – I always promise to be like the Version of my Unflitered True self to You, because I know you won't judge me for it. But yes – despite the flaws within me – I do promise to make you Happy. Because that's what I truly want. I want you to be Happy – always.

· Promise 5.0 – Fifth thing out, I do want to say that even though we have like so much stuff in common and think alike and most of the times are in the same wavelength on things. But that does not mean that we can take this Understanding for Granted...right? Because in the future, there might be times that we are both of different Opinions, as in we might see the same thing differently – and because I respect you as an individual, I promise to not ever force my views on you or something, or expect you to just understand it straight away. I'd rather have us talk and discuss out our differences, and the same goes for the moments in the future when we might be angry with one another - for I think sometimes its more important to express a reason behind ones anger/disappointment first rather than to just let anger take the front seat. It's obviously ok to be angry, but what I mean to say is that I would rather be like – Arnav I am angry or disappointed over this because...(rather than just lash out in anger and shut a moment of discussion out), causing out like unnecessary stress to us both. We are both going to grow as individuals, and we are both independent and strong in our minds – and I want you to know that I will respect that and rather choose to agree to disagree in certain situations, than be like – Oh just because we are together there has to be like a Mutual Consensus always...

So Yes, Arnav.. these are the main things that I wanted to list out in this Promissory Summon from me to You, and yes, I know you might just be wondering why have I not mentioned as to why I called this a Summon, and not a Note. So here's a reason for the same – you know how they say that Summon is like this legal document to call upon someone's presence for a Court hearing legally like in the Courtrooms and everything, and well since you are already aware of the crazy inner workings of my High Courts of the Mind + Supreme Courts of the Heart, it was only apt that I use the word Summon, as I officially want to invite you to a Very Important Collective ceremony that my Inner Courtrooms are keen to Have, the minute you are done reading this PDF Document? What ceremony? A Hearing that kind of officially declares the cutting of the Red Ribbon of the further Construction works of the Highrise Building of Dynasty34, within My Heart. ( I mean, I just wanted to list out all my promises to you, since I couldn't talk about it to you yesterday as we were pushed for time...and Like duhhh, I obviously want you to be the one to Cut the Ribbon and everything, and also – calling this as a Summon also meant that my Inner Courts, hereby acknowledge the fact that by Inviting You in and by building up the Dynasty34, they hereby have come to the common consensus – that You – My Dearest Stranger, are like my One and Only – who will have the key to the Building off Dynasty34.(like apart from me ofcourse)As in , basically its like - you and me, US, and our moments, are going to be exclusive residents in this Dynasty34 right? Ok? Like this Dynasty34, Highrise Building within my heart no..is exclusively - Just for you Only.Ok?

** Please Note – that this Promissory Summon has been prepared under the sincere guidance and witnesses of My High Courts and Supreme Courts of the Mind & Heart and they fully acknowledge the authenticity of the contents of this Summon in a decree off Mutual Collective Consensus**

Date: On the day of 25th April, 2019.

Validity: Valid for moments in time for as long as we are Together. ( and I do sincerely Hope that , kind off extends to a long long time, for I am totally vouching for our mutually Happy and Empowering Partnership, because the smile that I see on your face and the emotion in your eyes that I see for myself - does tell me that I make you Happy and I am sure you can spot the same in my eyes too, but I just wanted to state one more time. That everything about You just kind off Makes me Very Happy - Arnav)

Signed: Khushi Gupta

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Arnav's POV Continues

Stunned with Emotion.

Yup.

That's exactly how I feel right now, as I finish reading Khushi's Promissory Summon to Me.

Also – I don't know, how many times am I going to fall in Love with her, like head over heels *all over freaking again.But I am pretty sure – that's exactly what My Insides just Experienced, all over freaking again, as my Insides continue to stay Stunned with Happiness and emotion, consuming all of me.

I could obviously sense that she's written this to me, straight from her emotions too, all raw and unfiltered and so very deep in its own ways.This was by far the most precious thing – anyone had ever written out to me. If I say I was touched – that would be like the freaking understatement of the bloody century – indeed.Because I am touched beyond words. I have no words to express the intensity of the emotion, that has consumed me.

One things sure though - I, freaking hit a, Jackpot of SuperLuck as I met her. My Sparkle, truly is one of a kind. Or No – scratch that. There's no Kind in there, for there surely – for there is Just One of Her, Indeed. And its freaking my Luck, that she's got all those Building works happening for Dynasty34 , happening within her Heart's chambers, exclusively for Me!!( Like wait...on that note...how did she even come up with that?? I am beyond just mesmerised.

How do I explain what I feel? I mean this is that exact point in Movies – where a Freaking Melodious Emotional Song Takes Over.

I look up at Khushi, through the screen – speechless, sure that all the heartfelt emotions that I was feeling were visible on my face and in my eyes – nonetheless.

I shake my head, amazed as I finally instruct myself to find some words to say to her, right now, for her nervous waiting in anticipation for my reaction – expression in her face and eyes, instantly strikes a deep non-existent chord within my heart. I take a deep breathe as I say, grinning – " I am stunned, absolutely stunned with so much emotion, Sparkle...I mean I knew well in advance that whatever I was going to read was going to move me a lot...but no...I didn't expect this to be stunned with emotion, for real..."

Khushi smiles as she asks, nervously still – "really?? like pakka se?? like infinisty* pakka se na?? as in you aren't just saying it so that I don't feel crazy about actually sending out a promissory summon to you that too like with all those details and everything..."

I grin – " you are absolutely crazy to even be nervous about this Sparkle, I can sense that you wrote this straight from your emotions...and that's why its freaking struck a chord so deep within me...please note, I am almost on the thought that tells me to momentarily switch my profession from that of a cricketer to one of a Bollywood hero in a movie – where in exactly a melodious emotion song takes over the moment to describe what one's feeling..."

Khushi bursts into giggles and we share a warm laugh instantly and she says now – " oh my god, you just didn't say that...Arnav..."

I ask , in between my giggles – " why??"

She grins – " well , because I once thought to myself in my head, like along time ago..that you are so freaking rakishly handsome that if you wouldn't be killing at the pitches of 22 yards na for our country, you would surely be killing it at the box office...."

I chuckle – " really????and when was this?? Details please...how did you even miss telling me about this...I must fine you for this, the next time I see you..."

Khushi chuckles – " oh really?? you want to fine me??"

I nod as I say with a wink – " yup, a lot. With a chain off Back to Back - Ravage Kisses.."

Khushi blushes as she says – " oohhhhhh...ufffff...you gotta stop looking at me that way through screen ya Arnav...like literally....and please don't distract me with the thoughts of us kissing, right now, remember?? You need to come into the Inner Courtroom and cut the ribbon for Dynasty34...I mean, you do acknowledge the summon right??"

I grin as I say – " oh yes ofcourse, and before I step into the Courtroom with my special summon in hand, can I ask you for a favour, Sparkle?"

Khushi nods, happily – " yes , ofcourse ya.."

I grin – " you wouldn't mind, If I copy your words right?? as in if I resend the same promissory summon back to you, signed by me too, because I do want to make a Promise to you, on every accord that you'v listed out in there, as well...."

Khushi's eyes swim with a lot of emotion as she asks– "really??"

I nod – " yup....really * infinity...Sparkle.."

Khushi grins – " well yes, you can obviously copy my words, Arnav..."

I wink at her – " great, than please await the receipt of the same from my end tonight itself, as in I mean I do want to send it to you, before I sleep tonight...so after we hang up, on our video call...I will get to it...and know that, I am not going to let you go off the call for a couple of hours ok??"

Khushi grins as she says – " yes yes ofcourse...you think I would let you go off it too....?? Like no wayyyyy...."

I grin – " I like that..."

Khushi winks at me mischievously – " ok, so now the Supreme Courts of the Heart are asking if you are all set to come in, for the specialy ceremony wherein because we are on the video call – its kind off like pretty easy peasy anyway, because all you need to do is imagine that you are cutting the ribbon..ok??"

I grin as I say – " ok Sparkle, but even if its in imagination, lets imagine doing it together since Dynasty34 is about US...right??"

Khushi nods and we both burst into a Happy Laughter immediately as she says, in between giggles – " ok admit it....without any bias whatsoever, you surely think I have some loose marbles going all haywire in the pool table of my head..."

I chuckle as I say – " no...you know I don't think that...I just cant stop thinking how crazy I am about you, instead..."

Khushi grins as she asks locking her eyes with mine – " for real??"

I wink at her – " real * godamm freaking infinity..."

And we look into each other eyes and share an instant warm, laughter again.

Godammit.

This Woman – freaking Drives me Nuts with Emotion, the intensities of which I have never ever felt before.

Can't freaking wait to tell her – how much I love Her. That, if I were to state it to her in her words, I'd just say – that if she's got a freaking High Rise Building of Dynasty34 going on with its Works in the Insides of her Heart, exclusively for me and US – then the Insides of my Heart have already finished the Construction of the Most Palatial Kingdom on all of Planet Earth, within the walls of my Heart, exclusively in her Name and for Us Too, and she's all Checked into it as well, and taken her seat on the Throne in the courtroom too, looking down at me with innocently bewitching expressive eyes, and mesmerising smiles – as the Princess of My Heart.

Or wait.

Scratch That – Princess bit.

I reckon, Queen would be a better word, Perhaps?

Yup.

Queen of My Heart – would be the Right and Apt – way of Stating her Significance to my Being.

Indeed.

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Authors Note - ** Attaching Two Song Links to End the Update**( Links did not go through, please listen to these songs, if you wish too guys)

One – suiting Arnav's state of Mind – as he is thinking of everything he is feeling for Khushi. ( Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi)

And second , because of all the details in the Promissory Summons...the evergreen number Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye (Winks)

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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. Will be eager to know what you all think about Khushi's Promissory Summon to Arnav??and him wanting to Copy the same back in Promises too??

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.
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Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am today , with a Medium Length Update off about 7 k words as Chapter 23.1....so happy that I could put it up, like well in time today and it did not get pushed into Midnight.Apologies it got delayed by a day as got caught up with kiddos last minute online assignments and everything yesterday...👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻😇😇😇

Will be Eager to know what you all think, as alwayssss.

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.

Please note the timeline - we are now 20 days forward into the Story.

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

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Copyright Disclaimer :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2020

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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CHAPTER 23.1 – MY 'NOISE' CANCELLING HEADPHONES

20 DAYS LATER – 15TH May, 2019

KHUSHI'S POV

GUYS.

Please note – this for Future Reference.

Such a Thing – has like never ever Happened to Me, like for Real.

Like Just about Never.

Period.

What thing? The 'Thing', I am in the Middle of Experiencing of course and most importantly at what Place.

And I know, you all are probably getting curious to know what is it that I am actually referring too, so I shall just jump straight to the point, without going into building up too much suspense in the background with the Suspense Sound effects of Thada..Thada..Thada.

So Yup. Here I Go with a Wacky Confession.

Technically, right now, I have just finished writing my last exam for my B. Com correspondence degree – for this year. As in, the paper is usually for Three Hours, and well as, it was a question paper that I could take on and answer like super easily, I kind off finished writing it in 2 hours 45 minutes, which means – that I am in the Examination hall right now.

I can spot Jess from the corner of my eye in a couple of seats in front of me, in the row parallel to mine. And wait – its isn't that I have finished writing an exam earlier in time, like for the first time, like No, that is not the First thing I was referring too. I am referring to the fact that Usually, I always go into like a Revision mode of my Paper, just in case I do finish writing it all out early, but today , for the first time ever – my Mind is definitely not into a – oh let's revise the paper mode, for sure. In fact, instead dearest High Courts of the Mind kind of decided the minute I finished writing the paper and put the pen down, that they were going to instantly switch into a Dream Mode, and get all tuned in with the Supreme Courts of the Heart and pay exclusive attention to the massive construction in progress within the walls of my heart – for Dynasty34.

So Yup , guys...even though now it's like I am technically in the Exam Hall, in my seat and everything(physically), with my eye on the open answer booklet of my exam, rotating my pen in my hand, for the fun off it and as am pretending to still skim through my paper as a couple of examiners are passing by – mentally in my headspace, all of my attention is elsewhere - completely tuned into that FarAwayDreamworks.Co(which is the name I'd like to give to the cardio real estate builder cells within the walls of my Heart that are overseeing the development and construction progress, of Dynasty34).

And I think, I truly have to commend these cardio real estate builder cells for their efficiency, because apparently they are turning out to be really super-duper efficient and good at their Job, because even though technically it's just been like Three weeks since Arnav and me, officially got together, it literally just does not feel like as if it's just been only Three weeks to US – at all. In my heart, it feels like we have been together this way as a couple for a long long time. And even though we haven't like met again – in real time yet – it's like we've gotten a crazy* infinity lot closer into one another romantically, for sure, and in all these days, I have felt that feeling increase *infinity lot – you know the feeling, where everything around me literally hazes and fades away when, my thoughts go to Arnav, or when I am talking to him , on call/ or on text/ or on video calls.

Like Guys – I am telling you all, at the rate the cardio real estate builders' cells, within my heart are functioning and working, it seems like they are going to end up building a replica of Buckingham Palace within my Heart, in Arnav's name – in No Time.

I hear my Heart say. Oh Yes,dear K – you are absolutely right about that Indeed. I mean you are obviously aware that the architects within our walls changed the blueprint of the design and structure for the High Rise Building, for sure , as in there's obviously going to be a SkyScraper in there as well, but since you coined it Dynasty34, then maybe that Skyscraper, becomes like one part of the Kingdom – in the works.

Wait.what? Dear Heart? Did you just say Kingdom in the Works?

I hear my Heart Say. Oh Yes, K. I did just say Kingdom in the works, I mean keeping in mind the way my chords are getting all tuned in, intertwined and closer to Arnav's heart, its only fair to Construct a full-fledged Kingdom, for his Sake as in for US, our moments, and well to be honest like I hinted before, I got that Idea from the mind actually, since it came up with the word – Dynasty.Thank you dear Mind, for the help.

My Mind ventures in as it says, grinning.You are welcome dear Heart, you are most welcome.

Ok dear mind, how about you switch away from your Dream Mode a little, like just for a bit and maybe lets, revise this paper? I mean there are seven minutes still left, until the time to three hours finishes? I mean I suggest this, because well technically we are still in the Examination Hall, right? We should be thinking off the Exam that we finished writing – right?

I hear my Mind chuckle and take its seat back all relaxed next to the Heart. Oh, please K, see you said it yourself. It's an exam you already finished writing, which means that's precisely the reason why you must not think more into it. Also, you know very well, that I am pretty sure that I nailed that paper already, why do you think I am this Relaxed.Its all done. Exams are over too for this year, K. Don't worry about it. You are surely scoring up a Distinction, this year Too.And well to be honest, I don't think the eyes are even interested to look down at your answers on Strategic Management, they'd rather reminisce about being lost into Arnav's, thoughts too.

My eyes Nod. Yup, K. Consider us – lost and drowned into the Lost City of Atlantis.Period. As in imagine, we went onto this thrilling scuba diving mission of being the divers to discover the Lost City of Atlantis, under water, and well we obviously found it and everything, but the entire expedition was so freaking mesmerising that while we were busy floating our way around into the precious Lost City of Atlantis, we didn't realise that our oxygen tanks were running out of stock of O2, until when , well it actually all ran out of it.So now, we are technically just destined to stay Drowned into the Lost City of Atlantis, for a long time .Please know we are beyond Elated, to have our oxygen tanks give up on us, we mean – Drowning, never felt this Mesmerising and Good for Real.NO? Also, if you will notice, even the Ears are not interested in listening to your suggestion of looking at the paper, that's already like all done and dusted. Ok?

I groan. Dear Ears? You too? Like won't you listen for Real?

Ears shrug as they say – Nope, K .Sorry, we agree with the mind and the heart and the eye that there's no point in Revision of the paper ok?its not like you are going to gain some extra miraculous numbers out of it, you'v done what you'v done alright?? So just let us be, okay? Also its not really our fault that – just anything and everything about Arnav has started to act like an Invisible Noise Cancelling Headphone, for US. I mean its like the minute the Heart+ Mind press the remote control and tune into Channel 34, an Imaginary Noise Cancelling Headphones makes it way around us, on its own accord, and just eliminates any other noise of any other thought within the surroundings, and all we can Think about is Arnav, or how his deep voice is like our favourite music, and how that intense tone of his as the two of you talk on video calls/ calls – happens to be like a top track on repeat in our Music Library for Real. I mean do you remember how he said last night in that deep sincere tone of his – "Sparkle, it's going to be three months to me having first met you in like hours from now, but I do want you to know that it doesn't feel like that at all. It feels like I have known you forever. You have no idea what you mean to me, Sparkle..I don't know if I will ever have the right words to ever express that out to you..for all the dictonaries in the world would fall short in their support to me on words..." .Like JeeeeeZZZZZZZ,K – he's driving us Crazy* Infinity, for both - Him and his Voice.

I chuckle on reflex.Well yes, Ears, I know what you mean.He is driving not just You – but all of me, Crazy for Real, and I do agree with you that everything about him and US is truly starting to act like this set of amazing Noise Cancelling Headphones, for Real.Say what? when I get out of the hall, and I open my phone to text him, I will tell him that I just found new name for him. Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones. I mean, no harm in admitting that to him, outright right? He anyway knows, I am a wacky nut in my Head, sometimes.

All of my Insides collectively chuckle as they say.Well, yes to that for sure K.He knows that.We cant wait for these couple of minutes to pass too. And also for these three days – because woooo hoooo...we are flying to see the Final of the IPL to Mumbai right??? whether Bangalore wins or not tonight, Arnav is going to be there too at the Finals.Like thank God that the two of you planned to use the IPL final setting for a meeting. I mean we haven't seen him in real time in three weeks, so we do kind off Miss Him – obviously.

I bite back my grin as I start to collect my stationery back into its box. Well yes, we are flying to Mumbai,and are definetly going to meet Arnav soon, but lets all collectively pray that Bangalore wins the Semi's against Chennai tonight, for that, because I would love to see Arnav playing that final, for I am rooting for Bangalore to Win the Cup too.

My Insides nod in Unision – Oh Yes.Ofcourse K. Our best wishes are always with Him.Too bad we couldn't fly out today, to see the Semi's in Bangalore. I mean all because of the fact that the Exams were On, and that too this afternoon shift timings of 1-4 pm.So glad they are over. Also, we just have to state this again that we are so proud of you K, on how you did get the achievement of being the Highest Run Scorer this Domestic T20 Season. We know that that nail-biting loss of 5 runs, to Railway Women in the Final – was like an unfortunate one.

I smile to myself. Guys – our team of Delhi women had reached the finals of our domestic season, and we lost out in the finals to Railway women in like a thrilling game of cricket on the 30th of April -as you just heard my Insides say. But nonetheless, the loss – it was an amazing season for us and personally a lot of learning for Me, cricket wise, and personally, it had obviously taken me like a couple of days to wade my way through the gaming disappointment that we felt as a team of coming so close to the win and yet loosing out, and once again Arnav had been there for me in his supportive and empowering ways. He just wouldn't stop saying, how proud he was for the team's performance nonetheless, or of the fact that I had received the award for the Highest Run Scorer in the Season, or how the domestic pool of Women's Cricket in India – really needed to come to light, and that is why he was always following up with Mira Di or Harpreet Di – over their talks with the BCCI, for an IPL kind off a set up in India, exclusively for Women Cricketers too, and that he was elated to have Mira di tell him, that the BCCI was looking into getting a IPL kind off a tournament set up for just Women, for next year for sure. The planning for the same, was all under process.

I hear my Mind say with a heartfelt smile. Well to be honest K, it was because of Arnav that I kind off was able to feel all better about the loss in the final, within a span of 24 hours. I mean usually when it's such a close game and we end up being on the loosing side, it does take me about 36-48 hours to just wade my way through it all – right? so all Credit to Our Stranger, for his empowering support as always, for we obviously had to shift our focus and get ready for Exams too, right?? It's been a hectic 3 weeks, K – like Mind Wise, so please just let me chill now and indulge in my latest favourite Hobby, which is thinking of Arnav and getting the cardio real estate builder cells of FarAwayDreamWorks&Co - to fastracking the massive construction of Dynasty34.

I smile and nod to myself.

And right then, I hear the Examiners say that the Time was Over and they start collecting the papers by everyone in the Hall,one by one. Minutes later, as I hand in my paper to the examiner, and get up, I see Jess making her way to me with a grin up her face as she asks – " how was the paper???mine was great, I mean it was a pretty easy question paper na?i finished five minutes early but I didn't like revise or anything because I was too excited and just super happy about the fact that we are done with exams..."

I grin at her, and nod as we start to make our way out the hall – " yes it was an easy paper Jess, mine was good too and I finished fifteen minutes earlier , and well I didn't revise too, but not because I was super happy because the exams were over..."

Jess winks and whispers into my ears, chuckling – "yes yes, Khushi , I am sure you were all lost in your head, dreaming about Mr.Stranger..."

I chuckle but I look at her, as we continue to make our way out – " you just love to tease me, don't you???"

Jess nods and winks – Happily.

I grin at her – "also, you are obviously coming home and staying with me tonight ok? it will be so much fun watching the semi's together, I mean its already a bummer, that we couldn't go to the stadium for the live match...aunty left for Goa this morning too, right, she will only be back by the 20th no? so please, just stay over with me only until then..."

Jess nods excited – " ohk yes...of course...let's just quickly make a stop at home, for its closer and is just a seven minutes' drive away from here and I will get my stuff and everything and then we can head to yours, can't wait to resume our cricket practice too from tomorrow on , you know since we didn't get much of that happening in the last five days with these last three exams being like so close to one another and we literally had our face in the books...the One day matches domestic tournament , starts for us in 20 days too right Khushi...we have to like immerse our heads back into intense practice now...and it's going to be the same for Mr Stranger too right??after the IPL Is over....because they are going to head into World Cup preparations..."

I nod as I say, whispering to her – " oh yes Jess...it's not just going to be a super hectic, three weeks from the 5th of June, for us game wise, but for him too, as in 3rd June is also when the Men in Blue leave for England, for the ICC ODI World Cup, so yes as you said even they are going to get all busy in preparations for the same, after the IPL is over...I mean he did say that they are just taking like a couple of days off after the tournament and the entire national unit is going to regroup by the 22nd , here in Delhi,to get into massive preps for the World Cup campaign.."

Jess winks at me mischievously as she says – " well atleast the two of you are going to be in Delhi, until the 3rd of June, post the 20th of May, which is like almost two weeks, so I do reckon a lot of your sleepovers at my place already...because well after that it's going to be months until you could both see each other again, because of the difference in locations and play schedules for you both...so I am sure Mr Stranger is very glad about this development.."

I nod at her as I say with a wink– " yes to that, Jess" and I add happily – " and oh yes, you are also totally right about the sleepover predictions at your place...I surely will be planning some..."

Jess winks at me – " let me find a way of asking Mom to stay back in Goa longer, then..."

We both share a warm laugh as we reach the locker area where we'd kept our stuff, before walking into the Exam Hall.

I reach out for my bag, first thing out and just as I am about to switch on my phone, I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn around to see Alisha and Sia giving both Jess and me - a smirk, and Alisha says – " please tell me guys, that the two of you really thought about what we last told you both...I mean...what's your future in cricket, c'mon??"

Sia smirks too as she says – " I mean cmon, do you girls even think anyone cares..i mean look around you...in this entire exam hall, out of all the students that appeared, does anyone even know that the two of you play cricket?? No one is interested in Women's cricket and that is a fact..accept it guys...and in fact I keep telling Alisha that the two of you should probably join us in modelling perhaps??since well the two of you do have lovely facial features...let us know if youv changed your mind, we can connect you with our agents or modelling agency's.." she finishes with a sarcastic laugh and Alisha and Sia both burst into giggles.

Jess looks at them angrily and just as she is about to lash out at them , I gesture her with my hand, not too – yet.

(So guys, Alisha and Sia,are both our batch mates on this correspondence course, we only end up seeing them when we appear for Exams.And both Alisha and Sia are like best buddies and are into modelling full time, hence they are also pursuing this correspondence course, and they are nice to talk to and everything, but well as you all saw they just always leave no stone unturned to express their opinions to both me and Jess that we must change our minds about our career, before it's too late)

I lean back against the locker and smile at Alisha politely as I ask – " alisha is that todays exam paper in your hand??how was your paper??"

Alisha nods and shrugs – " well it wasn't great...but I don't really care, because this is just a formality for me, since you know what my aims are right??"

I smile and shrug as I say, taking the paper from her hand – " exactly, and you do know that its only in theoretical educational examinations , that everyone gets the same question paper, tell me something Sia, just what If each of us in the exam hall today was given a different question paper, how would the examiners score our marksheets then??as in on what basis?? On what standards??"

Sia shrugs – " how silly is that Khushi, if all of us wrote a different question paper, the judging of marks, would be totally bizzare...because how would they even grade, because like everyone got a different set of questions to answer, so it wouldn't be like fair way of examination ofcourse, I think the grading system would just end up being bizzare if such were a case..."

I grin and wink at Jess as she winks at me happily, because she obviously could sense what I was building upto and I say to Alisha and Sia, handing them back the paper – " exactlyyyy right?? so just pointing out your words to you, this is exactly why the ways in which you guys want to make pressumptions and judgements about the two of us, are totally bizzare, because well in Life, everyone does get a different set of question paper exclusive to them, like to each their own and everyone takes their decisions on the answers they want to write in it on the basis of what deems fit to them individually, so why be so judgemental about what we/or what anyone wants to do in the first place? and why?? Like we don't pass baseless judgements on your career choices, because we respect the fact of to each their own, and keep our focus to ourselves...so its best if you don't pass any judgements on us..."

Alisha shrugs sheppishly as she says – " but we are saying what we are for your own good guys...I mean c'mon...what's the certainty of your future in the sport.."

Jess folds her arms across her chest, and shrugs – "yeahh right...your intent is obviously understandable, Alisha, and that is why none of us are going to take any pains in making any effort to even answer that last bit from you...look the two of us don't have any personal grudge or something, and trust me when we say this, if we want to discuss out our career paths, it most definitely will be with the ones who are close or matter to us...you technically don't even know us closely, so what's the point of taking jibes at our career choice? Its surely for your momentary satisfaction and probably a way of making yourself feel good in the moment..."and just as Sia is about to say something more, Jess gestures her to not even try and she says – " and well we would appreciate it, if the two of you set that sarcastic, condescending tone of yours aside, the next time, we talk because guess what here's some breaking news...even though kindness is like a precious commodity, it's still apparently tax free in the world...wouldn't really cost you anything to use it in your tone,once in while guys..."

Sia nudges Alisha as she rolls her eyes – "let these two spend their lives behind sporty sweaty jerseys Alisha, for all we care...I mean its our faces that are going to be up on the hoardings in print ad's...infact yours already is..."

Alisha says embarrassed, looking at Sia – "Khushi actually texted me when she saw that hoarding you are talking about, congratulating me on the same..."

I smile a little and shrug patting Alisha's arm – " because well I truly was happy for you, when I saw it Alisha, for that was a beautiful picture of you for sure, anyways, no worries, you don't have to understand why we do what we do, that's for us to know and understand...wish the two of you all the best for everything, we gotta rush now..." and I take Jess by her hand, and gesture her to walk out with me.

Jess nudges me as we are making our way to the car – " Khushi ya..just two more seconds you should have let me stay, I was just about to tell her being genuinely supportive is also tax free, and I also wanted to add that you scored the highest runs this domestic season and that she could check up on the stats online....."

I chuckle on reflex now, but I gesture her to get in the car and she does and I say getting in behind her – " thank you Jess, you are the best, but well, I wanted to leave, because I have to switch on the phone na, all that time there with them delayed that bit, and he has to get going for the match right by 6?? Its already like what 415 now, Jess...its just more important for me to get on text ya..also what just happened, its not like it's a new thing right? I mean how many times have we heard these jibes from different segments, in the society...I am just kind of immune to them...it doesn't trigger me anymore internally, I just put my foot down, give it back assertively and politely in the moment and then move on..."

Jess winks at me – " yes ofcourse, you know it doesn't trigger me too, internally, and it's the putting the foot down bit , that I really enjoy indulging in sometimes..."

We both share a warm laugh and I ask Verma uncle, my driver to start driving, and take us to Jess's place and gesture to Jess that I am getting on the phone now.

She nods happily and plugs in her earphones in her ears and starts to listen to her music, which instantly remind me of – my – Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones – thought and I bite back my grin and switch on my phone.

I just cannot wait to tell Arnav – about this.

Just as My Phone gets on – I literally scroll to WhatsApp – in full speed, and open it instantly. I obviously have a string of texts waiting for me, from Arnav.

I read them quickly from the Top.

Arnav's text to me at 115PM : hey you , Sparkle, well I obviously just spoke to you before you entered in the exam hall and wished you all the best and everything, and I know you are in the exam and are only going to see this text like around 4ish maybe...but I couldn't help myself from texting you right now, because well guess what I am about to have our favourite grilled chicken dish for lunch, so I obviously thought of you....ok...now I am going to go back to eating lunch with everyone , both our teams as in the Chennai team and ours are having a combined lunch, and chatting over how each of us, is excited for the Semi's tonight. Its going to be a good game of cricket – indeed.

Arnav's text to me at 2:00 PM : ok Sparkle, how's the exam going? Im sure you are rocking the paper, like you rocked the 22 yards this T20 domestic season – I still can't get over your highest run score off 400 plus runs, this season. I mean trust me when I say this – I would take absolute pride in admitting to the world one day, that My Sparkle, plays the pull shots better than me, and actually not just that – you have a much better knack for hitting Sixes, too– you know I am more comfortable with the Four's. Also, yes now I am heading into strategy meetings and everything with the team , coaches and everything for the match tonight. I should be done by all of that in a couple of hours, by around 4pm too, which is exactly when your exam finishes as well, so I will be free to talk after, before heading to the stadium. Text me as you are done Sparkle, will be waiting..

Arnav's text at 3:45PM : hey you...Sparkle, its 345 pm, and I just got back into my room, and we are all going to just relax and chill by ourselves a little before we regroup with the full team by 530 for an evening round off discussion, before we head out to the stadium by 6pm. Your exams about to finish soon as well....i know it went well and everything...waiting for your text Sparkle...in the meanwhile, I am just going to get on a call with Akash, Mom and Dad..

Arnav's text to me at 4:05 PM : Sparkle...tried calling you, your phone is still coming switched off which means you are still in the exam hall maybe? Oh wait...Anjali's calling ..ill just have a quick talk with her as well..

Arnav's text to me at 415 PM(like from two minutes ago) : Ok Sparkle, just finished talking to Anjali, she was with Rahul, obviously.Spoke to him too for a couple of minutes, he was wishing me all the best for the Semi's tonight, and I just wished them both all the very best for their last exam tomorrow as well. If only Rahul knew, that I am desperately waiting for his junior to step out of her exam hall and text me...where are you??also how did the paper go??

I smile as I quickly reply.

Me : Arnav...just got into the car, and switched on my phone, read your previous texts and messaging you first thing obviously.The paper was really good...Sorry for making you wait for those couple of minutes though got into a little talk with some of our batchmates who always like to give their judgements and opinions to Jess and me over our career choice...will tell you about it in detail as we talk., its nothing new for us anyway na...heading to Jess's right now.Going to stop over and wait until she packs her stuff, have convinced her for a stay over for a couple of days.

My phone beeps.

Him : well you know I can wait for you , forever Sparkle. Apologies, too, I do know I get a little impatient when it comes to You, because well you drive me nuts. Its great that Jess will be staying over.How about if we get on a video call while you are at Jess's? I am afraid I won't be able to wait longer to see you, as in until you get home. Also yes, I do want to know all about this talk with the batchmates.You are okay though right? I hope you aren't upset?

I reply honestly.

Me : not really, Arnav. In fact not at all,I am immune to it internally now, doesn't really trigger me to feel upset anymore – after(As in if I get upset about it after the moment is over,itll be like I am giving these people too much power over my feelings perhaps? And its not really worth it right at the end of the day for they are obviously never going to be open to understanding my perspective anyway.so no Point there).As and when these moments happen, I take it in a stride putting my foot down assertively to these people, nonetheless and just move on the next minute. Anyway listen na...forget that...as in for now, I will obviously tell you all about it as we get on the call, but there's something more important that I want to tell you for now...

Him : okkk whats this something more important Sparkle?

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : I have a new name for you, which – wait for it – the whacky me thought off – in the last fifteen minutes of the paper time as in , in between 345- 4pm, because I finished the paper, early and I promise to give you the complete background of how my crazy insides came to that on the video call like in my usual animated dramatic ways – but for now in brief I just do want to address you with this new name...also...can you take a guess on what it could be??

Him : ok Sparkle, I am obviously waiting to know all the details and everything...but until we get around to that on the video call, how about you tell me what this name is..as in I don't think I will be able to guess it correctly anyway..

I chuckle as I read that again and I type : well wait for it then....your new name is Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones. As in – My Noise Cancelling Headphones...(I add a line of winking emoticons)

Him : wait???????? What????????? Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones?? That is an interesting name, for sure Sparkle, I can't wait to know the background details about its inception – indeed.

Me : you are biting your laugh back aren't you??i just know you are ya...okkkk...listen its not my fault ok...its totally yours...what are you doing to me? Driving me nuts surely? And you say I drive you nuts?.Please, know that its like everything about you is starting to be like these Noise cancelling Headphones as in the minute I think off you, or talk to you, everything, literally everything along with every other thought just hazes and fades around me, and the speed with which the cardio real estate builders cells within my heart called FarAwayDreamWorks& Co – are working in building Dynasty 34, instantly increases too .So only apt as I call you My Exclusive Noise Cancelling Headphone too no,because you see you literally do the same thing to me as they do as states in its product description as they cancel out all disturbing noises in the background when you put it on right???and helps you focus on just the thing you want to focus on doing as you put them on. And apparently all my Insides want to do is focus on Just You.So what can I do? You only tell...tell tell...(I add a string of Hearts)

My phone beeps in Five seconds.

Him : godaamit You. if I were in front of you right now, I would have freaking kissed you Insane, and probably wouldn't have stopped for hours,until it would be time to leave for the match. I cannot wait for it to be 18th already, which is when I am seeing you! Be ready to have your lips – Ravaged Sparkle.

Me : (I send a line of blushing emoticons and hearts)

Him : how are are you from Jess's? need to see you.NOW.

Me : just five Minutes, more Arnav..there was a little traffic at an intersection..can't wait to see you too ya...also you have no idea how excited I am to see you play the Semi's tonight...I have a feeling you all are going to make it to the finals Arnav, all the superbest to you ya...as in I am obviously going to wish you all ache se on the video call too...but just had to say it here too..also...like tomorrow it's the second semis in between of Mumbai and Hyderabad, and I am thinking that it might just be Bangalore Vs Mumbai at the Wankhede, on the 18th!!!!

Him : thank you for the wishes Sparkle, lets see how its plays out tonight. We all are pretty pumped out and motivated to take it through to the Cup this time.And well to be honest, I have to admit this straight out because that's how crazy I am about you - I don't know what am I more excited about though as in, in my heart – the possibility of Us playing the IPL final on the 18th? Or getting the opportunity to see you on 18th?? I mean since I am going to get to see you on the 18th irrespective of the fact whether we play the final or not, since we will both be in Mumbai...can't bloody wait!

Me : well, I can't bloody wait too...as in pakka se copy* infinity that Arnav. Also should reach in another three minutes maybe..

And just as I send that – my phone buzzes with Shivani's call.( Guys – remember Shivani?? I met her in Jaipur? Shivani and Hridhaan? And how it turned out that our Moms are like friends from boarding school?? So yeah, its been like our Mom's have been in constant touch everyday now,and yes, both Jess and me have been in touch with Shivani on whatsapp on and off too, in all these days. I wonder why she is calling though? I quickly cut the call as I write her a text, telling her I will call her in five minutes)

Phone beeps with Arnav's text.

Him : damm the freaking traffic of Gurgaon.dammit. my arch enemy of the moment.

Me : haha...very funny Arnav...acha listen..shivani just called me..you already know how Jess and me have been in touch with her on whts app na, I will just get on a quick call with her before we get on the video call, to know what she was calling about. So that once we connect I can just talk to you until its time for you to leave, without any interruptions? I will text Mom that Jess and me will only leave from her place by 530 too..

Him : Shivani called?

Me : yes Arnav...I think this could be about Hridhaan' and her's trip to Delhi, maybe?.also uncles just pulling into the building gates.will just get on a quick call with her as we go up and then will call you soonishhhh ok??

Him : ok Sparkle,also it could be something else too, as in – might not be about their trip to Delhi..

Me : yeah could be...Arnav...but I will only know that as I talk to her Na...so I will just do that first, so that I can tell you all about it on the video call...k?

Him : okayyy Sparkle, Speak soon..can't bloody wait..

Me : Speak soon, My Noise Cancelling Headphones( I add an heart and a wink) Can't bloody wait too.

Him : you are in for a massive trouble when I see you next Sparkle. Warning to you well in advance -Forget about Breathing.

Me : ohh Arnavvvv..pleaseee....stoppp ya...ok getting out of the car now...will just call you soon...do not reply back..pakka se...or you know I will end up texting you back...(hearts)

Him : ok sparkle..

Me : Arnav..please...don't reply ya...you know I cant get around to being the one to hang up first, either on text/calls...

Him : you are adorable*infinity.Dammit. ok wait, I wont reply after this...you get on the call with Shivani first..

Me : yessss okayyyyy...tata Arnav for just a little bitttt....(heartsssssssssssssssss)

I smile to myself as I get out the Car, and tell Jess that Shivani was calling and that I was going to connect with her on a quick call.

Jess nods as we start to walk our way towards her apartment tower in the gated community and I ring up – Shivani.

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

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.

And yes.

Next Update : I will try my Best to give the second part update for this Chapter, as in 23.2 by tomorrow Night( which might be like short/medium length, update too). Will give you all a sneak peek into the Title.

Chapter 23.2 – Dire Times = Fastracked Measure's

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.