Khushi is more resolved than ever to break through all the negativity and bloom with all her might.
Hellooooo Guysssssssss....
I hope you and your loved ones all are doing well and keeping safe and healthy!!🙏🙏🙏
So - YUP - Here I am with the next update for the week for HW3.0!
Please note – we have now taken a leap in the story by two months+ a couple of days!
Word Count – Long in length - 8K Words.✍✍
💻
Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.
I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.
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Disclaimer:
This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.
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TAKE 42 – Going the Distance
Two Months+ A couple of More Days Later
6th April, 2020
And so as they say – Sometimes – Its Time that is the answer to it all. With its minutes, seconds, and nanoseconds ticking by every now and then – its perhaps the only element that eventually reveals the answers to all those – Hows?Why's? What's? – that once revolved so strongly in one's mind. And it is perhaps the very fact that you do have those answer's looking back at you when the moment is destined to unfold – is all that matters – at the end of the day!
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Two Months+ A Couple of Days have passed. Only Fair – that we first begin with a little glimpse into all that has happened in the time gone by for all.
So - even though the calendar looks back at Khushi Jones and tells her the very same that just two months+ a couple of days has passed – in her mind, heart and soul – she knows. She knows what? That each day of these two months gone by was extremely potent in her inner emotional journey within herself so much so – that it often felt like to her – as if the days passing were just double than the actual time frame. And this was mostly because – she couldn't believe that she'd taken the leap within that she had in these two months of time for in her mind prior – when she set out to leap to her bloom – facing things head on – she'd totally given herself a lot more of the time frame – to come to the spot she was at today! But perhaps – it was the magic of Love that she was continuously experiencing not just with Arnav but with all her loved ones that had been the additional acceleration within?
So ever since her return to London from Baharain -she'd been adamant in her resolve within that she was not going to shy away from the world/truth anymore and would face things head on – right? And that is exactly what she had done. So out there in the public – even back in London – even though it wasn't as much a raging scandalous issue - it wasn't as if – Khushi wasn't having people around – shoot her the looks every now and then – starting from the very first day. For everyone now obviously recognised her to be who she was – from all the public drama that had transpired online and was still transpiring in the online media world back in the Asian subcontinent. Some gave her wide eyed looks that conveyed – Oh wait – is it you Khushi Jones?.Some gave her the judgemental looks.Some gave her the Xraying perceptive looks as if they were trying to gauge and imagine what could be going on around her – or in her mind – personally? Some even glanced at her sympathetically. And then there were also some who just nodded at her politely and smiled – their smile being the acknowledgement of the subtle kind gesture from their end. And even though the sceptical/judgemental/xraying/weird looks were a lot more in volume in comparison to the subtle kind ones – Either ways – Khushi knew that it was on her – to take the moment through. She'd always acknowledge the kind gestures with a polite smile in return – to begin with. And for the rest she knew if she gave anyone/their worldly judgements the levy on the out to affect her inwardly – it would only dent her mind's resolve. And so she knew that the only way to go forward through this all – was to just keep your head high and go on as normally as she did prior – giving no one in the public (around her)the levy to cause her any sort of discomfort through any range of those Looks! And that was what did the trick eventually. For once people – began to observe that their perceptions/gestures/looks/weird gazes made no difference to her moment or mood – as she continued to go about doing her thing whether it was listening to her music on the subway/working on her animations in the college library during lecture breaks as she pursued the remainder of her masters, chatting away with her work colleagues during breaks at work etc – those very outwardly vibes kind off lost all their power on reflex for its affect never managed to penetrate through the mind shield – Khushi Jones had built for herself!
And she also kept her focus on her targets(both personal and professional) upfront – straight! For Immediately on her return to London – she'd also gone to work the very first day and had a very open conversation with her close associates at work. She'd first extended out gratitude to everyone at the company for their support and then she'd been honest in admitting – that this incident had just directly pushed her towards working a lot harder and passionately towards her dreams because she'd realised that how she shaped her moments in time here on would be a direct testimony in her own eyes of her - self-love and inner belief. And so she subtly requested everyone at work – that from here on she'd just like to work a lot harder than she already did – and continue creating the content she was so passionate about – and that she would love to have everyone's support towards doing the same and she was only glad and grateful that she had her team's support back at work just like her Mum did!
And so work went on for Khushi and so did her studies. Infact work wise – one could say that she began to excel a lot more for every animated content she created there on had some unique element/new detailing/innovative expression with every strip! She believed that if she strongly focused on pouring her heart out towards what was in her control i.e staying committed to her goals – she would feel a lot more conquered within. And that was exactly what happened. For her Soulful+ Heartfelt+ Quirky+ Fun+ creations did manage to leave a lasting impression in the minds of everyone who came across them just as they did prior to the whole secret coming out. As the range of content's went online bit by bit – the only thing that caught the eye first – was the creativity and heart that went into bringing the tale to life – rather than just the focus on the name of the animation artist creating it. Infact now – that the secret about her parentage was out – somehow due to the worldy publicity ways – her animated strips related to everything cricket/cricketer's tale's began to go a lot more viral online that they were before and even the entire content related to Aiding/Chasing/Living/After the Goals in the UK continued to gain peak popularity online so much so that the management + bosses were elated with the volume of engagement that had gone up online as well.
And bit by bit as the first month transcended into the second month – after – things began to feel a lot smoother place all together on the worldy front as well. The range of look's from people/hushes and buzzing hidden conversations as she passed by – began to feel a lot more usual part of her day to day activities – and she began to feel like she didn't need to make the usual mind effort to hold her shield in place in public. For it just happened to fort its footing inwardly on it's own accord!
And on a personal level – things continued to be on a Blissful tangent as well for Khushi with her nourishing bond with Arnav+ his family+ friends continuing to blossom more and more and her familial bonds deepening with Abbu+ Raahil+ Noor too – and even the bonds in between either sides of Arnav and Khushi's loved one continued to get stronger by the day – as they bonded regularly over Arnav+ Khushi wedding preparations!
For Alice Jones – also professionally – things returned to the usual professional setting as prior for just like Khushi – Alice had also constructed herself a similar mechanism to deal with the revolving perceptive gazes of those at the world at large aiming to jump her nerves(those who did not know her personally). And she kept going strong and ahead with a focus on her work. On a personal level – having the thorough support of her parents, her close circle of friends(M+S+Brian+ Jack's parents)+ her team at work along with the solid support from Khushi+ Arnav+ his family+ Rehaan+ Raahil+ Noor continued to be additional pillars of strength and courage for her as well.
The front of the personal equation with Rehaan also continued to blossom and deepen a lot more emotionally. With each passing day – she knew that she was getting more invested into him/with him emotionally as deep shades of love continued to grip her heart for him. And she could also read the very same in his eyes too. But she also knew that he could read the bit in her eyes silently – that all she wanted now was to have Arnav+ Khushi's wedding ceremony go on smoothly first – before the two of them talked about their personal space out loud in between of them. And perhaps – it was the additional significance of the vibes of the unsaid hanging in the air in between Alice+ Rehaan that continued to touch on deeper heartstrings within for both!
All of Khushi's friends – M, S, Jack and Brian – also made sure that they stood strong by her at every step – as always! So how could Khushi not feel all the additional empowering push in her intent to go upwards and onwards – come what may!?
It's needless to say that on a personal level - Arnav continued to be an integral part off the central crux of empowerment and motivation for his Fiore and vice versa. As the two geared up personally for their summer wedding in the upcoming months – they only felt a lot more excited in anticipation for their D- Day in their beings.
Professionally for Arnav – things continued to roar at an all-time high as well for after his return from Baharain – in the upcoming home series with England for Test Matches/ODI's/T20's – he'd excelled in his performance in all the three fields brilliantly again! He was the leading wicket taker in not just the Test Series which India won – 3-1 against England – he also was the lead wicket taker for India in the ODI+ T20 series. He also smashed significant runs that propelled India to victory eventually in all the series from his batting position at the lower order. His performance was being hailed by the cricketing fraternity in India yet again so much so – that it really was the talk of the cricketing news in India – that India's newly appointed Test Vice Captain – ASR had a major contribution alongside all – in propelling India to that top 2 spots in the World Test Championship Table!
And as of the present day today – given the international test scenes around the globe – India was going to be playing the WTC finals in late mid - June – against New Zealand in London – given that NZ and India finished in the top two contenders for the inaugural world test championship final!
Now on a personal level – this entire background of Home series with England also came along with some significant personal developments for Arnav. First and surprising one being the bit – that Robert Wilson and ASR had begun to be a lot friendlier with each other on field – post the games – as they indulged in general casual chatter for everyone to see and observe. It had been the news of the cricketing hour as well yet again – post the test series – that Wilson and Raizada – from Foes to Friends?
And this development actually on the personal front was mainly because – Arnav really held regard and respect for the way Wilson had come out in support for Mrs J in the most needed hour months ago and had also been kind and supportive towards his Fiore on the same as well – after! In his heart he knew – that Wilson was still not completely over his Fiore – but he intended to respect the bit that he was almost there. Another very interesting development personally here for Arnav was that – that he also got a lot more time to bond with Mrs J while she was on tour of India with the England Unit as well. The cherry on the cake for him was obviously the bit – that towards the end of England's long tour – his Fiore had flown down to Delhi as well – under the cover up off both work+ seeing/being with her Mum – and they'd been able to catch up privately as well along with her being able to spend some quality time with his family.
Infact – Arnav was beyond just proud to see his Fiore be unaffected from public gazes and judgemental looks from the usual general crowd in India as well because ofcourse once she was spotted at the Firoz Shah Kotla with the England's support unit during the matches – everyone in the public went all hushing and buzzing over it – but mostly everyone assumed that EX- PCB heads daughter was here in India for her Mum+ her work connection with creating animated tales on the cricketing scenes/players in India as well as the home series gave her the opportunity to have more live interviews for her content – perhaps??
Irrespective of the knowledge of her parentage – her content on Indian cricketers continued to be received with roaring reception online amongst the digital audience in India as well. Infact – personally for Khushi – it was a moment of extreme delight when she'd finally been able to publish a tale on Arnav with his flashback mode into the moments of his first five-wicket haul from years ago and his experience and professional feelings after! Along with this strip on Arnav – she'd also done one on Daksh and couple of more bowlers from the team – as she continued to create content – as per the lined up wishlist of the PR team at the BCCI.
Now coming to Rehaan+ Raahil and Noor. On their return to Lahore – thankfully – they also received immense support from their immediate family members back at Home amidst the media chaos continuing to rage post Rehaan's sacking. Even though – Noor's family was still like digesting the aftermath of everything that had happened – they were still making supportive efforts from their end to be there for them all – for in their collective eyes as well – no matter the background – they also felt that Rehaan's sacking (in the way it happened) – was a little unfair given his contribution to the national sport. In their hearts – they were also glad that the consequences remained limited to just Rehaan though for they obviously also believed that Raahil had a lot to give to the sport – still – for the country through his play! For Azlaan + Noor – it was comforting to see that despite the public backlash – their family was making the efforts personally to normalise things further with both Rehaan+ Raahil. They both felt strongly that with time – everything would be back to normal.
And for Noor's family – despite the turmoils – another thing that eventually touched their hearts deep was the way they'd seen their daughter's love strengthen and deepen for Raahil through the momentary public hardship and how she'd continued to blossom herself individually as well through it all. They'd seen her face backlashes too – personally and professionally. Some friends in Noor's circle from prior – weren't a part of it anymore for Noor realised just in time that they were only fair weather friends! Her family had also seen her face the professional low in the first month after calmly – where in the sales at her jewellery store chains across the country dropped for a while with the backstock inventory piling up in the ways it never had before. The fact that they'd observed their daughter keep her calm and continue creating crafted precious pieces with as much passion nonetheless had moved them immense keeping her focus on the bit that the stores in the Middle East were still doing wonder sales and the opportunity to finally expand in the UK had also seen the light of the day fruitfully – as she was now gearing up to set up an exclusive retail store – after the feedback from retailers who'd reported that her pieces had been selling steadily for all these months. And eventually it was only a matter of time – until the element of her work+ conviction and dedication began to outshine it all again in Pakistan and business sales came back on track towards the end of the second month that followed after!(About just a week ago)
And the very public hardship sentiment – for Raahil – in the eyes of the public – also did somewhat vanish to a great extent eventually given his excellent performance in the followed up international bilateral series that had been lined up for Pakistan vs South Africa. Raahil's bat talked and wowed and– How – Indeed! For Raahil within it was more about him vs him - as he broke his very own previous records with every match. And in the games – he did receive recognitions for his efforts – he made sure that he highlighted the bit on mike over and over and he was able to become the player he was today – all because of his Abbu's love and support! He totally felt like he was going to keep tributing his journey upwards and onwards from there on to his Abbu – for all to hear out loud over and over from his end!
And well for Rehaan Khan – even though the public sentiment was still swinging in pendulum for the intital fortnight after his sacking – over the last forty days or so the tide had begun to come a lot over to a smoother side – for once again – his next line of work was out there for everyone to see ! So what was the next line of work – Rehaan had thrown himself into on his return to Lahore??? It was the bit with regards to his other dream – off setting up sporting infrastructures in the country on various sporting levels to support the community of para – athletes in the country! This had been a personal dream off his as well and so this time around – he'd thrown his mind+ heart into it wholeheartedly – indeed. Apart from this – he'd also returned his prime focus with active particpations to his NGO+ Charitable organisations that worked towards education( both literate and sports )for the underprivileged kids in the rural areas of the country. Because now that he was free from – his active role as the PCB head – he had all the time to be actively involved in these projects with his physical attendance and time as well. He'd often been spotted involved with so much dedication on the role+ jobs+ different related scenes – that the media in Pakistan was compelled to notice that despite his very public sacking – he still had the guts to follow his hearts wish of giving back to the community in the country in so many ways. Some journalists – began writing – that perhaps the Media had been too harsh on the Man???????????
And for Rehaan – personally – the very fact that he was able to pursue these projects actively and aggressively was also a source of self – fulfilment on very deep tangents. Alice's + Khushi's+ Raahil+ Noor's + some of his true friends+ Arnav's added unconditional support towards him – had been the roaring fuel to keep him going. He was now filled with a new thrilling enthusiasm to see these projects and their respective goals through!
And so on the whole – for everyone – the moments in the last couple of months had been significant both on many tangents as each just kept their focus – and locus of control – towards – Going Their Respective Distance's – holding their loved one's hand all tight!
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Present Day – 6th April, 2020 – Early morning
Khushi's POV
Guys.
The workings of this is perhaps meant to be like all mysterious and mystic – but I do have to begin with the bit that at the moment – right now – I can't help but think over and over how – Arnav had been so freaking right about this all along. How he had been so freaking right all those months ago – when he told me – that somehow the dots are always meant to connect backwards even though technically you must live the moments in your Life – forward!
Because – truly – as I relive the significant flashes in my head related to last two months gone by – I can totally feel so many dots connecting in like a mystic line (that's begun to anchor so much more clarity , control, strength, belief, conviction)– not just for myself but for Mum, Arnav, Abbu, Raahil, Noor + all of my loved ones! And a little birdie – tells me that you all already have a headsup about the basic glimpse of all of that's happened – so I shall just stick to the present then!
I take a deep breathe opening my eyes to look around me and as the lights still dim around me in our flight cabin – and I spot M, S, Jack and Brian still sleeping in their seats around – I turn around to lift up the window shade on the window side of my seat – and just as I do – I am greeted with the – Just Rising Rays of the Sun! I take the gorgeous sight in smiling for just a couple of seconds and I close the window shade down again – because I do not want to wake M, S, from their deep slumber in their seats next to me just yet!
I smile – though – pretty much to myself – taking a deep breathe again! I mean – to be honest – I literally legit can't stop smiling to myself ever since I woke up from my slumber seven minutes ago! Why???????? Because this moment in time – is so freaking huge for me and I am super proud of myself for following it through – despite the natural jitters in the pit of my stomach as I headed towards this moment – late last night from Heathrow.
So I know you all are pretty much wondering what is this moment that I am talking about – so its only fair that I dive into it straight in without much delay – given that I am sure you all have already guessed I am on the flight right now – but wait – just about if I pause for a second and any of you take a guess as to where is it that I am actually headed though? Scheduled to land in a shortwhile???????
Any guesses??????????
Guys???????????
Cmon?????? I am sure – atleast some of you can guess this!!!!!!!
Alright – Alright – ill just get on with revealing it to you all!
So – I am en-route to that very destination that I kind of fleed away from all distraught ,lost, broken, tattered, and whipped – just a couple of months ago! Yup! Your mind's beginning to connect the dots right!!
For yes - I am on my way to Lahore – right Now.
Yup.
Guys.
You read that – right!
LAHORE.
And the reason why I am smiling/grinning like a monkey towards my inner self right now is that back then if someone told me or even if I told myself that I'd probably be jetting back here in just two months+ time feeling a lot in control, sorted, strong , shielded inwardly – I wouldn't have believed myself or that any other person for that matter!!!!!!!!!! Because hell yeah – given the circumstances back then within me personally – it's like I wasn't even in a freaking position to even imagine coming back here ready to face the reactions around me head on – in a little over two months + time - forward!
And yet - Today – Here I am! All set to take the plunge to face the moment that my minds been a little nervy about facing ever since – I fleed from there. I mean it had always been on my mind in these months too you know – how was it going to feel going back to Lahore one day?? Would I be able to hold fort against the hovering gazes/hushes/buzzes/probably another media debacle – around my public presence back there. I'd even initially wondered to myself – if I'd even go back there – like in this calendar year etc etc. And the very fact that I am taking this leap of faith for myself – right now – means just so much to me within. I feel like I have truly come a long way, above, onwards, from all those shades of prior insecurities and vulnerabilities. The Major Reset within my Factory Settings that I worked on very diligently in these last couple of months – kind of worked wonders when it finally clicked. On this note – I have to fair enough to admit – that I did also meet up with a well being counsellor back in London like once every fortnight – to just openly talk and discuss – my emotional journey from the point then to everything Now! And to be honest guys – even my well beign counsellor was super surprised two days ago – when I told her that I intended to head down to Lahore – today! She was all like – Khushi, that's a huge step indeed, why not give yourself some more time????Are you sure you are ready to head back there? Anything could happen with public reactions around you – you'v been doing so well – are you sure you want to unsettle your rhythms??
And what did I say to her then – guys???????
I admitted to her honestly – that this was the right time for me to dive and plunge into this moment for many personal reasons. The prime and foremost being the one – I really felt like I was ready to face things head on there – you know like just go back and conquer those imaginary nerves and jitters that come back with the thought of heading there. And I won't lie guys – the hovering gazes, looks, judgemental roll of the eyes that I have faced/received both in London and off late in Delhi, India – kind of really helped me build so much immunity , getting me all geared up within to head back to Lahore! I mean – to be honest – I flew down to Delhi, specifically during the end of Englands tour there not just because of Arnav, Mum, Raima Mom, Arjun Dad, Akash, Payal, Anjali di+ Ravi Jiju or our wedding preprations – but also because mentally I wanted to step out in the public/community there first with Mum – you know like it was like I was getting myself prepped up in stages – heading to India had been the prep stage that was really needed for me to get me going towards Lahore – eventually – on the calendar date today.
I close my eyes – and for a second – I am taken back to the moment – when all this hushes/hustle/bustle/buzzing gazes of the people in the stadium started to hover around me and Mum when I stepped into her side in the support unit dug out – at the Firoz Shah Kotla – and I let the memory of the moment of seeing Arnav up on field close again+ Mum holding my hand all tight – do its magic of making me feel all conquered within – just like it did in that very moment of Time.For in my head then – I kind of knew – that I just had to face that in my head back in India also because in just two months from now actually – Arnav and me are tying the knot on 6th June this summer!
On that note – guys – England's Home Series in India just ended like five days ago and Mum returned to London like just recently as well. (Arnav's on like this ten day break in between now for the IPL begins soon for them – like end of next week.)I had returned just the day before the last match of the England vs India series though – for work reasons obviously because even though it had been easter break then for my uni in the last phase of my masters – I still had to get work done in terms of interviews/content creation for Aiding/Chasing/Living/After the Goals series simultaneously. Also – its like Friday early morning right now and I am only scheduled to be here in Lahore until Monday for I gotta return just in time for the last stretch of my master's classes before final exams/final submissions turn in – begins.
Hmmmmm.
Okay so – I might as well continue admitting the other two very significant reasons about my visit to Lahore – this time around. It isn't just for my continuous emotional evolvement within. It's also because – I really want to see Raahil play his PSL final live for Lahore's team again – tomorrow night – with Abbu by my side this time around.
Yes. You read that right guys! It was just two days ago that Lahore had made it to the finals by winning the semi's and Raahil had been so brilliant in the game that it was like right then – I knew in my gut – that I wanted to fly down to see him play the final live. It was a huge day for him yet again – for after this whole public debacle – he's been playing with a point to prove more to himself over and over vs just to the world.
And to be honest at the moment – I just feel like so much has come to a full circle also within because last year remember how I was headed here for the very first time – watching the PSL finals under fan pretext – and today as I go back there to do the very same this year – with all that's happened in the background in tow – it feels just so fulfilling in way that's almost surreal.
I pause in my chain of thought to look around at the sleeping frames of my friends who were with me even back then – and are with me here even today and I just send out a silent prayer of Gratitude to Christ again.( The very second I told them I intended to fly down to watch Raahil play the final live at the Gaddafi this year too – they were all like we are coming with you too – K! There's no way that you are heading there without us)
And on this very note I do have to admit – it was another emotional battle with Arnav though to just keep at bay back in Delhi at the moment – yet again. He wanted to come down with me obviously and it really did take me my all to convince him otherwise. Thankfully, not just Mum but Abbu+ Raahil+ Noor helped me in coaxing and convincing him - this time around. He gave in eventually – but not before he sulked royally over it with a grumpy face and then pointed out to me lovingly after – just a couple of months Fiore – you are going to be my wife then – lets see how you stop me from holding your hand all tight in front of the world then!
I smile on reflex – remembering his face as love rushes and grips my heart with my eyes falling on the ring on my finger. I caress it lovingly for a couple of minutes. So guys – another extended reason for this trip down to Lahore right now is – also this ring on my finger – actually. Before you all begin to wonder the context – ill dive straight in. So christ only knows how – this actually began – but from the very moment I was spotted landing back in Heathrow – from Baharain – some pictures of Mum and me landing back hand in hand – had gone up online. God knows who clicked them – posted it up – but they'd gone up online and once the ring on my finger had been spotted – the rumour grapevine in the Media back in Lahore came up with this absurd theory that perhaps – it was Azlaan who could be the man in my life – given that he'd been the one to shield me away from the media back then in Lahore – taking me out and away and then just as that theory came up – in flew in the trail of rumours back in Lahore again – that because of Abbu's close connection with Noor's family – it was probably that this engagement had been decided – etc etc!
I mean to be honest – this did throw me off guard again completely for I was like never freaking expecting this to brew up in my face at all.But as I processed it eventually – I first spoke to Arnav's family obviously and they were completely supportive and loving in the moment just like Arnav was – shrugging it off their shoulders like a minor fly – and then I obviously apologized to Azlaan as well and asked Noor + Raahil+ abbu to convey the same to Noor's family as well. For ofcourse it was given that this whole scenario just kind of upset them with me again – especially Azlaan's Ammi. Like guys – even though Noor wants to be all subtle about it – its like I know – Azlaan's Ammi kind of really despises me. And I don't really blame her though.So basically for these last couple of months – these rumours theories keep like coming up on and off in Lahore and even though – his Ammi's made sure to get the word around that it isn't true – you know how the grapevine works right???
So this time around – I also thought that maybe it was time to dive like right into the moment – that I meet Noor's family and try to iron and smoothen things out from my end and not just have Abbu+ Raahil+ Noor do it. I just felt like I owed this to both Noor+ Azlaan!
Yup.
So now you all know all the reasons why I am heading to Lahore – Now! You all get it don't you? I just really have to – have to do this – for myself.
I pause in my thoughts at that to drink on some water and then I make my way carefully to use the washroom. Once I reach the nearest one – upfront – I spot a middle aged aunty waiting there already and the very second she looks up at me – her eyes widen in recognition and she shoots me the judgemental narrow eye-d look (that I'v anyway been on the receiving end off on and off from a few ever since I boarded this flight) and she asks straight away in a tone that's surely not kind – " you are her? Aren't you? Rehaan Khan's daughter with the other woman?? I recognise you from the news??"
Ahhhh. I don't like the sound of the other woman for Mum – obviously. But I hold on to my composure and I nod nonetheless and I answer – " yes...I am her...and aunty.. my Mum's name is Alice...not other woman..."
She nods at that and rolls her eyes – "yes...yes...I know...quite the uproar it was...still is..back in Lahore...for us all..,"and she pauses and scans me from head to toe in an errie silence.( That from her tells me that she probably lives in Lahore and was in London for a bit – I guess??)
I maintain my subtle silence – waiting for whoever it was in the washroom to step out already when I hear her ask suddenly in a tone of a sharp snap – " so you are coming to Lahore? Why? You just want to cause more drama around your Abbu..is it??"
Ouch.That.
I take a deep breathe at that and admit sincerely instead with a casual shrug – " no aunty..thats not the point at all..actually...if you keep up with cricket...you'd know...my brother plays the PSL final tomorrow night...I wana be there for him...that's all...it's a huge day for him..."
That makes her scan me again head to toe again as she states – " half-brother...you mean??"
I answer politely – " brother...nonetheless...aunty...sometimes..its the emotional bond that's all that matters...perhaps? I love my brother..and I think...my desire to be there for him..exceeds...the weightage I'd give to the hate...I'd otherwise...receive...there's no point..running away..now is there? I mean..if you think off it from my point...just how long can I not go to Lahore? Its also where a part of my family lives..."
Her gaze softens at that as she narrows her eyes at me scanning me from head to toe again – but she stays staunchly silent. It is right then the washroom opens up and I gesture her to head in first since she was waiting up before me and she just narrows her gaze at me again – and then gets in.
It is right then I feel Sarah's hand on my shoulder as she asks softly leaning into my ear from behind – " babe...you okay? Was she being mean?? I woke up and didn't find you next to us and I when I looked up I saw you chatting up with this aunty..here...her body language wasn't coming across to be a kind one...so I thought I'll check up on you..you okay??"
I turn around and I brush Sarah's arm as I admit with a chuckle now – " ofcourse...I am okay..S...you know I am more than just used to this..also..this just seems to be the trailer..."
She smiles – " okay...thank god..you just chuckled babe...for even though I know you are like used too and immune by now...still...this is like we are heading to Lahore..babe..its where all the drama began..in the first place...comments hurled around...you might just get super mean..."
I admit with a nod – " I know... which is why it is like now or never S...you know why..."
She nods – I nod and we exchange a knowing look! And she says now – " yes...so babe..ill just wait here..for you..then? freshen up and come..and ill freshen up after.."
I smile at her lovingly – I know she wants to be here and around – just incase the aunty decides to interrogate me on her way out!Well ideally – many people would be thinking and worrying about what the aunty might say next – but to be honest – not me – really. Why? Because in the moment – all I can do is just hug onto one of my bestest friends – Hard and bask in the love that I feel for her – instead!
........................................................
A While Later
Khushi's POV continues
I lean against the sidewall at this wall besides the area of luggage belts and cover up my hand over my mouth as I whisper into the phone with the aim to reassure Arnav for the umpteenth time – " baby....trust me..I got this...okay? I am okay...for real...please stop in this curse yourself rant..now..please? you know I can't take it...plus its like a new morning for you in delhi..thats just begun..right baby? Why are you spoiling your mood??"
So – ever since we landed – Arnav and me have been on text as usual and he's just been going crazy in worry because I am finally in Lahore and he's just been on that rant again – that he should have been there with me, that he shouldn't have let us convince him!
I hear him sulk on the phone again almost immediately in the next breathe – " well..fiore..to be honest...my morning would have been way brighter and good..if I was with you in Lahore right...now...hate this...I freaking hate..this...should have never let you convince me on this..you just used the ace of Abbu's support on this...baby...to your advantage...so not fair.."
I chuckle at that as I also gaze upto the sight of M, S, Jack and Brian waiting for our luggages to pop up on the conveyer belt and I whisper – " oh baby...please? cmon...not again..."
I hear his tense voice come through again – " don't...chuckle..please...right now..fiore...I swear to god...this isn't funny..."
I admit sincerely – " well yes..it isn't funny..mi amore..just adorably...lovable..."
He sighs.
I sigh as I say now – " baby...please?????????okay...what if I say...I know..exactly what will cheer you up instead..like almost instantly.."
He asks – " ahaan?? what is it??"
I admit in a rush – " the date..today..obviously...mi amore...just two months..to our d-day...right??"
That softens his tone on reflex as he admits – " I love you...baby...just keep texting me..please??? I mean...I know...Abbu and Noor are there at the arrivals already to pick you up..so technically..I should get a hold on my worry reins..."
I say immediately now as I spot Brian and S picking out there lugagges – " exactly..baby..alrighty listen..the luggage's are up...ill text you after...k? I mean..I don't want to keep Abbu waiting much at the arrivals too...right??"
He answers – " yes...yes...okay...baby...I am right here...k? just text me..call me..need be...k??"
I grin as I say on reflex – " like you are ...always..."
He answers lovingly – " always...fiore...always..."
I say in a rush – " okay...talk laterz...I love you..,"and we finally hang up and I dish my phone back in my handbag and begin to walk up to the luggage belt to join my friends.
And as I am walking by – I can also feel the the hovering gazes of so many people on me right now and a couple of people passing by are mustering among themselves in whispers that are kind of loud – " oh..its her..isn't it?? Khushi Jones???"
"is she here in Lahore..for real?? why??"
"quite gutsy of her..to come here..when the scandal is still not forgotten..."
Etc etc.
Some even begin to click photos of me buzzing amongst themselves – giving me looks as if I were a crazy alien that had just popped on earth from Mars!Or Saturn for that matter!
If it were the previous insecure- vulnerable – me – I'd have flinched under the scanner/xrays of the hovering eyes – all around – but the me in the present day today – doesn't flinch even a tiny bit within or outwardly – at all.
What do I do instead?
I hold my head up high and continue walking up straight to my friends giving a damm to it all with a genuine smile on my lips. The smile because – I am excited to meet Abbu+ Noor – obviously. I am not going to let their looks and gazes take away my happiness in the moment – obviously.
Just as I am about the reach the luggage belt – I spot – these two girls around like hovering with their phones to get a picture closer of me as they are whispering quite loud – 'Oh Look.It's her. Its Her. Khushi Jones...' And I pause in my tracks for a moment only because it feels like this would be fun within and I finally turn around and look at the two girls and ask instead – " yes...yes...you see correct...it is me...Khushi Jones...not an alien from Mars or Saturn...but..would you two rather have me pause? So that you can get a clear picture instead?????????? I can pose for a picture..too...you know...if that's what you want?????????"
That somewhat surprises them immense catching them off guard and the two instantly put their phones away shooting me awkward glances as they just silently back off and I return to walk up to my friends with even a wider grin up my face!
Why the wider grin?
Because hell yeah – Christ knew – that just felt so freaking Good!
Bring it On!
I WAS NOT GOING TO BACK OFF!
NOT NOW.
OR EVER.
DAMMIT.
...........................................................
Outside the Arrival Terminal
Rehaan paces impatiently keeping his eyes on the gates out of which the tourists walk out of arrivals and he pauses in his spot momentarily and asks Noor eyeing his watch – " whats taking Khushi so long Noor? She did say just that she got her luggage already..right??"
Noor bites back her smile at that as she says – "that was just three minutes ago...Abbu...give aapa...atleast..five minutes..to walk out..thats usually the time..it takes to come out..."
Both Noor and Rehaan – were also giving a damm to the fact that around them near the arrival terminals – people were also piling around – hushing/buzzing – looking at Rehaan and clicking his pictures. For he was never usually spotted at the arrival terminals ever before this casually in the morning. Especially not when he was the PCB head.
But Rehaan was going to be dammed if he didn't come himself to receive his preious beti jaan – for she was coming here – for the first time after the entire debacle and knowing her reasons for the same – did make him respect her courage a lot within as well. But he admits now to Noor – " I should have let her book them a private charter..right Noor?? I mean..wouldn't that have been better?? I mean...I am sure...that she had some moments in transit..perhaps??,"and he scans the little crowd gazing up back at him and Noor - straight
Noor smiles at that as she leans in to whisper to Abbu – " but that would defeat Aapa's purpose right Abbu..we both know its important to her that she faces this head on..."
The only reason why Raahil wasn't here at the arrivals with Noor and Rehaan to receive his Aapa was the bit that he had to head for morning practice session given that the finals was tomorrow or else there would have been no chance that he would have missed being there- too.
Rehaan sighs at that to Noor – " yes...but Noor beta...,"And he pauses as he hears Noor say now grinning instead pointing to the arrival gate – " uff...Abbu...stop sighing..there ..you see...Aapa comes...along with Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack..and she looks so excited and happy...her grin says you got nothing to worry..Abbu..."
And Rehaan finally looks up at the sight and as he catches the grinning face of his beti jaan waving back at him from afar beaming in happiness – with her friends by her side – smiling down at her too – he feels his very own heart glow in happiness – as emotionally a lot comes to a full circle within in his heart! The last he'd seen her leave Lahore in the condition he had indeed injured his fathers heart immense and to see her now come back here – all strong/courageous/composed and smiling – meant the world to him – too!
And so he acts on his fathers heart and just begins to pace up front towards Khushi happily with Noor by his side and watches Khushi begin to do the same as well with her trolley upfront – and as the two finally reach upfront – Khushi leaps instantly into her Abbu's arms as he holds her in a loving/protective father's hug with Noor watching on with a grin up her face – as she begins to meet and greet Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack too side by side.
Noor, Maya, Jack, Brian and Sarah knew as they exchanged a knowing smile and emotionally fulfilling look amongst themselves watching on the sight of Khushi and Rehaan -hugging – smilingly.
They knew what?
That the hovering gazes around with the people/hustle/bustle/musters/whispers as people began to pause and gather around their eyes widening – clicking photos- didn't matter even a dime to Khushi or to Rehaan!
Why didn't any of that even matter a Dime?
Because all that mattered instead to Rehaan was that – his Beti Jaan was here and he was by her side – felling all free and liberated within with nothing to hide! And all that mattered to Khushi in that moment of time – was that she was finally – Home – in her Abbu's arms...
.......................................................
TADAAAAAAAA!
How was That Guysssssssss ?????????? I really hope you all enjoyed reading this update + with its various scene flows on the theme of Going the Distance...I simply loved..writing it down...so very much....!!
Next Update : Should be Up by tommorrow night!
See you soon with the next update – guys!
Until Then – Please take care 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!
Much Love & Gratitude
Always
❤
Prachi
....................................
Raahil, Noor, Alice, Khushi, Rehan, they are all pursuing their passions while ignoring anything negative.
Noor's mom does not like Khushi. Thats so unfair. She can't help what the media assumes.
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