HIT WICKET MY HEART 2.0 **CO...

By mysticaltales11111

324K 19K 7.4K

Arnav Singh Raizada is 27 years of age rakishly handsome, and the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team. Cricket... More

INTRODUCTION TO THE PLOT & AUTHORS NOTE
IMP NOTE - The Story Begins Tomorrow!!
CHAPTER 1 - THE BASIC 'PITCH' OF MY LIFE
CHAPTER 2 - "22" YARDS,MY LOVE.
CHAPTER 3 - UNDER THE "TRENT" BRIDGE..BY CHANCE.
CHAPTER 4 - THE 'FORTUNATE' STROKE OF SERENDIPITY
CHAPTER 5 - AN INEVITABLE BEDAZZLE?
CHAPTER 6 - NOTHING 'UNSETTLING' ABOUT THIS ...YORKER?
CHAPTER 7 - TELL ME YOUR...'DREAMS'.
CHAPTER 8 - THE 'YO-YO' WORLD CUP
CHAPTER 9 - LET'S TUNE INTO THE 'GENRE' of DREAMS
CHAPTER 10 - THIS IS NOT 'GOODBYE'
PICTURE NOTE - CHARACTERS
PICTURE NOTE - RIHAEE( RAIZADA MANSION)
PICTURE NOTE - SIDDHI ( GUPTA MANSION)
CHAPTER 11 - THE ALIEN 'AUTO -MALFUNCTION' MODE
CHAPTER 12 - 'HOME'& 'SERENITY'
CHAPTER 13 - MIRROR IMAGE
CHAPTER 14 - High's Lows = Win.Win(Nonetheless)
CHAPTER 15 - GOOGLE'S - 'GOOGLY'
Author's Note - 11/9/2020
CHAPTER 16 - THE ROUND ROBIN - 'WARMING UP'
PICTURE NOTE - SOME MORE CHARACTERS
CHAPTER 17 - SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 1.0
CHAPTER 18 - JUST NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD....ANYMORE?
CHAPTER 19 - SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 2.0
Sneak Peek - Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20 - SPEEDBREAKERs Or SPEEDRACERs?
CHAPTER 20.A - EXTENDED ANNEXURE - 'UP' IN THE AIR
CHAPTER 21- SOME 'ENCHANTED'..ADMISSIONS
Important Note- TRUYEN4U.NET (PLAGIRIZED/MIRROR SITE/BOT - ?)
FRESH NOTE ON THE MIRROR SITE/BOT DEVELOPMENT -26/09/2020
CHAPTER 22.1 - A PROMISSORY 'SUMMON' (Part 1)
CHAPTER 22.2 - A PROMISSORY 'SUMMON' (Part 2)
CHAPTER 23.1 - MY 'NOISE' CANCELLING HEADPHONES
CHAPTER 23.2 - DIRE TIMES = FASTRACKED MEASURES
CHAPTER 24.1 - NO MASQUERADEs or FILTERs..PLEASE!!
CHAPTER 24.2 - NO FILTERs 2.0
CHAPTER 25 - BOLD , GOLD & AFTERPARTY
CHAPTER 26.1 - 'DISCLOSURE' ..TIME's
CHAPTER 26.2 - DISCLOSURE TIMES 2.0
CHAPTER 27.1 - THE FAMILY 'SQUARE'
CHAPTER 27.2 - THE 'BANTER' CLAUSE
CHAPTER 27.3 - AN 'EVERLASTING' MAGNET
CHAPTER 28.1 - THE DOOR OF NO-RETURN
CHAPTER 28.2 - A 'CRUISING' HIGH
CHAPTER 29.1 - A 'TIDAL' LOW
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 29.2
CHAPTER 29.2 - EMOTIONS...SEE-SAWs...&...YO-YOs
CHAPTER 29.3 - UNTIL WE MEET...AGAIN..
CHAPTER 30.1 - BREAKING THROUGH
CHAPTER 30.2 - THE SUN NEVER REALLY SETS
READERS OPINION - 9/11/2020
CHAPTER 31.1 - THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE 'FLICKERING' SPOTLIGHT
AUTHOR'S NOTE - 12/11/2020
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 31.2
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 32.1 - CROSS X LINKED
CHAPTER 32.2 - CHECK MATE x CHINESE WHISPERs
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 33.1 - AND WE MEET AGAIN
CHAPTER 33.2 - AND WE MEET AGAIN 2.0
GSTAAD - A Picture Note
CHAPTER 34.1 - LET THE DAMM SHADES OF 'HUNGAMA' BEGIN
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 34.2
CHAPTER 34.2 - CHECKING INTO THE SWISS ALPS
CHAPTER 35.1 - Swiss Alps & US
CHAPTER 35.2 - OUR KISSES IN THE SNOW
CHAPTER 35.3 - YOU KNOW I CAN'T TAKE FILTERs & YET?
Authors Note - 11/12/2020
Chapter 35.4 - I Would Rather Have You Yell At Me..
CHAPTER 36.1 - REVEAL 1.0
CHAPTER 36.2 - I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR - ' FORVER DEVOTION'
CHAPTER 36.3 - SIGNED -UP.
CHAPTER 36.4 - REVEAL 2.0
CHAPTER 37.1 - THE CALM
CHAPTER 37.2 - STORMED & WRECKED
CHAPTER 37.3 - LOST.
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 37.4
CHAPTER 37.4 - THE 'ACHING' WAIT
CHAPTER 38 - IT'S OKAY TO JUST - CRY
CHAPTER 39 - FOR YOU ...MY LOVE
CHAPTER 40 - THE COURSE LESS TAKEN
SNEAK PEEK - CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 41.1 - I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN..LEAVE YOU ALONE!
CHAPTER 41.2 - THE 'MIDDLE' GROUND
CHAPTER 41.3 - 'YOU' & 'US'
CHAPTER 42 - THE 'POWER' OF GRATITUDE
Author's Note - 25/1/2021
CHAPTER 43.1 - TIME - THE 'HEALER'
CHAPTER 43.2 - MY BEGINNING...MIDDLE..AND END.
CHAPTER 44.1 - STATIONS
CHAPTER 44.2 - LEAPING FORWARD
CHAPTER 45.1 - GET.SET.PLAY
CHAPTER 45.2 - 'ROKA-ed'
CHAPTER 46.1 - COMEBACK!
CHAPTER 46.2 - THE YO-YO * COCKTAIL
CHAPTER 47.1 - WORLD CUP...HUNGAMA..AND...YOU! - PART 1
CHAPTER 47.2 - WORLD CUP..HUNGAMA..AND YOU - PART 2
CHAPTER 48.1 - HUNGAMA UNLIMITED 1.0
CHAPTER 48.2 - HUNGAMA UNLIMITED 2.0
THE WEDDING DESTINATION RESORT - A PICTURE NOTE!
CHAPTER 49 - RINGed.
THE MEHENDI FESTIVITIES - A PICTURE NOTE!
CHAPTER 50 - MARRY-ed
CHAPTER 51.1 - TWINKLES OF PASSION & YOU
CHAPTER 51.2 - I JUST WANA STAY - 'LOST'- IN YOU
Authors Note -28/03/2021
CHAPTER 52 - #App2122FOREVER
Authors Readers Opinion/Feedback Note - 17/04/2021
EPILOGUE 1.0 - PRECIOUS WHEELS

CHAPTE 31.2 - MAJOR MISSING

3K 173 55
By mysticaltales11111

Helloooo everyoneeeee

I hope you all had an Amazing Festive Weekenddddd with your Loved Onesss...

So here I am with the Full Fledged Update off 12.5k words for HW2.0 - after a week's break!!

Also since Sparkle is in Cape Town – I most definetly wanted to include a little flash of nostalgia in there from HW1.0...you all will know what I mean when you read the first half of the update...sighhhh myyy Nostalgic Heartttt( wink wink)

Please Note The TimeLines in the Story – 8 More Days Forward from the previous Update.

-Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptill now Guys. Please know I love to hear from you all.So thank you so so so much * Infinity – indeed, for investing your precious time into my work. I am truly – Grateful* Infinity as well(wink wink). I hope you all are enjoying the reading experience, as much as I am enjoying penning it down.

Also, 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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Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me on Wattpad, where in my username is – mysticaltales11111 - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

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CHAPTE 31.2 – MAJOR MISSING

Eight More Days Later – 29th September, 2019

Sunday

Cape Town, South Africa – 11:00 AM

Khushi's POV

Helloo you guyssss!!!!

I do have a little news from this Birdie that flew all across the seven seas and skies from India to Cape Town to tell me that – you all were really Missing me in that last Update from Our End.

Well well well – and I shall be honest in telling you all that so was I – missing you all - Indeed.

Like For Real * Infinity Se.

And hence, HERE I AM TODAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

What's Up Guys??????????

How are you all doing?? Great – I most definitely Hope.

And I think this is the exact moment where in My Dear Mind would like to tell you all – that Yours's truly – Charlie Chaplin – Me – is doing Veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Greattttttt as well – actually to be honest I think I would like to call that bit as Super Duper Great in most of the aspects.

It's truly a lovely day out here in Cape Town - way too Lovely actually. All Sunny and Warm yet in some ways Cool and it's like that Perfect Sunday.I am telling you all, Cape Town is officially one of the most gorgeous places for Real. Like since it is my first time here, so I am also looking at it with my touristy eyes.( Dad, Mom ,Bhai and Me had been planning a Holiday to South Africa for a couple of years for our annual family holiday but that never kind of actually ended working out and we always ended up going elsewhere, hence now that I am actually here even though its like on a official cricketing tour – I am just totally soaking in the experience off it as well obviously)

But Yes.

Okkkk Sighssssssssss.

A Little Correction to that Super Great bit though – as in I am doing extremely great on every other ground, apart from the ground where in I have been Missing – the Love of my Life like uber terribly because well we are apart in Real Time na, but since all this Distance does really work as an Extremely Super Powerful Magnet in between of us, and has actually turned us a lot more crazier for one another than we already were – I think it would be fair enough to say that yes – the two of us are Holding up pretty well and are doing decently Great as well on that accord.

However – I do need to tell you all – that all of my Collective Insides are in a State of Ecstatic Glee right now, due to a very important reason. The reason being –

Oh Wait.

Guys.

Got to hold onto my thought right now, for Jess has just nudged me into my arm from the side as she's gestured me to look away from the window and the gorgeous scenery outside - straight up in the front end of our Bus. And just as I do that, plugging out my earphones and pausing on my music, I can't help but grin because I think you all will catch onto the reason behind my Uber excited Great Feeling, nonetheless.

For I am now looking at the Excited Faces off Our Head Coach maam/Mira Di/Harpreet Di grin up to us all from the front end of our bus and Coach maam says now after clapping her hands up in a couple of claps to catch all our attention. She's got a huge grin up her face as well – " ok then girls...now that the bus will be halting soon at our spot for the day..i do want to remind you all that....today is officially a little touristy fun day for us all, for we haven't been out and around ever since we landed here a week ago and were consumed with our gaming preparations and now I just want you all to mute your cricketing heads for a while..let's all decide to not breathe and live cricket today..." and that obviously makes us all share a warm laugh amongst one another and she chuckles herself too happily and continues – " I mean let's all totally go back to doing that bit from day after on...but just take these 48 hours off for now to just unwind and recharge your batteries..."and she pauses and adds grinning after – " and well just make sure that all your batteries are fully charged by the time we return to the field on Tuesday for practice.."

That makes us all share a warm laugh amongst ourselves again as we say in a happy unison – " yes Maam...our batteries will be fully charged indeed..."

She grins and adds happily – " girls..i am so proud of each and every one of you...they way you all collectively performed in the 3 Match ODI series....i am still fighting the hangover off the win from last night...."

We all look at each other happily and I wink at Jess as we all say in a collective unison again, happily – " copy that Maaammmmmmmm.."

Mira di grins and says as she gestures both her hands into the air in the sides in a thumbs up – " I am super proud of each one of you girls....we did it girls..we did it....we clean sweeped the ODI series by winning all those 3 Matches against SA Women with 3 Wins...it's been really long since as a ODI unit we'v been this dominant, where in we won the first match with 8 wickets with 50 balls yet to be bowled...the second one with 5 wickets with 20 balls yet to be bowled and ofcourse the last nights thrilling nail biting match which we won by a margin of 6 runs as we bowled them out in the 48 over...clinching the ODI Series to our name..and each of you has truly given it your all on the field in these matches...be it batting, bowling or fielding..and I am totally rooting for us all to go into our T20 series preparations with the same momentum indeed..."

So Guys – now you all know the reason as to why My Insides have been feeling this Greattttttttt!!!!!!

Just have to say this again.

FACT TO BE REPORTED.

WE WONNNNN ALL THREE MATCHES IN THE ODI SERIESSSSSSSS!!!!

Also, our amazing Captain - Mira Di was also awarded the Player of the Series.

Harpreet di (T20 Cap ODI vice Captain)says now grinning – " girls, it isn't everyday that this kind off a Buzz gets created around our game back home in India, for a couple of those sports journalists who'v had their heads turned towards watching our games, have given our units performance in the ODI series a full coverage on their online portals and we do have a lot of appreciation pouring in online as well...on some of these dailies social media handles, and even on some of our individual handles...Mira Di's social handle is flooded with positive comments, so is Sheena's, Vedika's, Harleen's, along with a couple more of us on Insta ..."

We all say in a happy unison again – " oh your social handle is flooded as well Harpreet di..."

Harpreet di chuckles and nods – " yes yes it is...so basically this just means that as of now we are very much under the scanner girls, at least in the eyes of the public that is interested in the field of women in sports, and ofcourse our board and offcials back home...the officials at the BCCI are also very pleased with our performance so far, Coach Maam and Mira Di received a call from the BCCI president last night appreciating our efforts in the ODI series and I do have a feeling that if we kill it on the pitches in the T20 series as well, which I am hoping that we do, for it's really going to add a lot to the momentum and the attention bit that's seen a little shift in that spotlight towards us women cricketers in the country and this is also going to be a new turn on many accords team, not just for us in terms of more international games and fixtures being organised for us by our board but also for all the girls out there back in India who dream to play cricket for India one day...so let's totally celebrate this moment today everyone...just relax, unwind, enjoy, with the aim off rebooting ourselves to dip into the next full week of practice from Tuesday on before the 6 match T20 series begin after...okay girls????????????????"

We all grin and nod our heads in Unison and say out loud – " yes okayyyyyyyyyyy...lets all enjoy this time out.."

We all break into a Collective - Happy Cheering and Hooting – again, for a couple of minutes.

Once that settles, Mira Di and Harpreeet Di and Coach Maam now return to their seats upfront in the Bus and the Hustle Bustle in the Bus Continues.

Guys.

So let me tell you all as to where we are Heading right now, since you all already know we are technically in our team bus –en-route to some touristy spot – right?

So , basically since it's a Sunday today and we are taking these two days off, we all had decided to tour around places in and around Cape Town. Tomorrow(since its Monday) we are going to stay back in Cape Town and explore the city. Today – we have come out of Cape Town on a road journey of about 90 minutes plus and we are all headed to a spot, which is famously known as the Cape of Good Hope.( They say that it's the Spot where Two Oceans Meet.The Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. I am like very excited to the Spectacular sight in front of my eyes obviously)

I hear my Eyes chip in happily.Hey, K – correction to that please. we are not very excited.We are excited * infinity for Real and it has everything to do with the fact how Arnav was telling us how gorgeous the place is alreadyyy. It's a good thing though that you did not let him share his pictures with his time out there with the team with you though and saved dear mind from the temptation of looking it up Online – which means that we are going to get to see the beautiful sight for ourselves with no prior data feed in – its totally going to enhance the experience for us.

I hear My Heart Sigh amidst its mixed emotions. Sighhhh if only Arnav my Love, was here.Like I miss him soo much right now.

Dear Eyes. Oh yesss Dear Heart. If only he were here...then it would have been Beyond Just Perfect Indeed.

I sigh. Copy that Dear Heart and Eyes.

My Mind chips in. Dear Heart and Eyes, this is exactly where its my duty to point out that - please know that Arnav is in the same state as well – totally likewise – Missing K, Insanely off late. Remember his texts from earlier this morning? The strings of which we read when we woke up? And his tone on the call after??? Totally equates into the equation that A&K are in like some sort of a Major Missing Mode right now as passionately as the other. Only fair though, they haven't seen each other for Months. But the good news is – we are a little over a half way mark to that wait – off seeing him in real time. So cmon Cheer Up Guysss. Now don't you all get me into a collective mode of getting you all to cheer up just like I had to get into that Mode of getting Arnav to cheer up – on K's 21st Bday.Poor chap..he really was upset about not being able to make it next to K, in real time.

I chuckle at the fond memory. Oh yes dear mind – Upset he really was. But he truly made it so special for me nonetheless right?? Like even though in real time for most of my B'day, I was with Jess, Vikram, Hridhaan as we spent time chilling out and relaxing and then later with Sheena di, Jess and Harpreet di – he did make sure to take out as much time as he could to spend with me virtually after the test match finished playing for that day in West Indies and ofcourse not to forget the major highlight being his...

Right then my Dear Heart Chips in all warming up into a ball of happy candy floss at the memory.Oh Yes K, the major highlight being the lovely video recording he sent to you which basically highlighted the 21 Reasons as to Why he so Disliked the fact that he didn't meet you prior to Feb 2019 plus added with the heart warming sincere message off how he always wishes the best for you how much he loves you and how you are the magical sparkling dust of his Life..That from him was totally like the Perfect Emotional Gift like ever - K. It's a good thing that the two of you have come up with this pact off gifting each other something emotional meaningful on special days, rather than anything materialistic.

I chuckle to myself. Ofcourse Dear Heart – I totally had to come up with that Idea of the pact or we know Arnav na – he will go about stocking up a room full of gifts for me...

Dear Mind grins. Oh yes K – you are totally right about that.

My dear Heart chips in. Oh yesss indeed...now can I just focus on reliving the momen after though?? as in.....ooohhh just the memory of how the two of you looked at each other on the video call after you saw that video recording of his sends goosebumps all through me, so much so that I almost forgot all about my major scientific job description for a nanosecond once again...

I chuckle to my Insides at that. You mean dear Heart...once again you feel like as if you skipped a hundreds of heartbeats in that nanosecond (by just reliving the memory)– for that's how monumentally moved you were /are with emotion for this Man in that/ this particular moment of time??

My Heart Grins. Bingo That – K. Bingo That.Puff...Didn't I say that once I would open the door of no Return – I'd be like a GONER IN LOVE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. Although Arnav would like to believe that he is a lot more Goner than You, K...I mean remember how the two of you bantered about this morning? Was Fun.

HAHA.

Guys, we totally got into this little banter just this morning where in the background context was all about how much we were missining each other and I was all like – My Dear Stranger you have no idea how I am like the Goner of the highest order for You, and he was all like Hey no Sparkle..that's me, I am the Goner of the Highest Level...and then we just happily collectively bantered over it until we collectively came to the consensus that maybe we are both at the equal goner level. We also noted down a lot of redemption points in our mental stock book of Kisses to be Redeemed after, because well we did get into a mischievous banter after all.(On that note – I think sometimes the two of us get into such amusing mischievous banters so that we can keep adding on redeeming points in our stock book)

I am pretty sure all of my insides would collectively agree to that Statement I just thought off.

I hear my Insides Collectively Nod in a Happy Unison – Oh Yes K , we agreeeee for sure.

Ok Guys – now all this Inner Rant is making me miss Arnav even more right now.

Let's text him.

Just as I take out my phone to do so, I pause in the process because I spot Sheena di and Vedika(who were seated alongside in the seats in the same aisle as Jess and me) now get off their sets as they stand adjacent to Jess and mine and Jess gets off her phone as well and Sheena di says now looking into her phone – " guys...Happy was totally right about a lot of bits specially about insta,for it is totally flooded right now just like it has been for a while and I am just trying to keep a track of it..and guess what I still have a lot of comments coming in asking me to ask my opening partner our little hit girl to join in up on Insta.."

OHH YES.

Guys I am obviously aware that this has been happening quite a bit off late up Online, as Sheena di and Mira di keep saying the same to me almost every other day because of the comments on their handles on the same matter. But guys - I am so not getting onto any of these social media platforms right now. As in because I know so very well that as impactful as it is otherwise – it is also something which is like a double edged sword indeed na, and right now I am just in the middle of wading my way through the Spotlight bits slowly and steadily(all thanks to Arnav) – and I just think I am not yet ready to deal with the impact of social media dynamics right now. Its going to add a lot more of attention to my plate – which I don't think I am ready for. I don't know if I ever will be completely ready for it as well but as in maybe with some more time down the line I can maybe consider thinking about this – but as of now at this point in time – definitely Not. Right now – my priorities are very clear, it's Arnav Cricket My Family and Personal Life and I just need to focus and reserve all my energies for this.

As it is you all know I am not a big fan off Social Media Limelight – anyway.

Vedika nods as she says grinning, looking at Jess – "yes Jess, I have a lot of comments asking you to join up too..."

Jess is pretty much on the same page as me on this accord.

Jess and me exchange a Oh-Pleaseee- No Look amongst one another again and we say to Sheena Di and Vedika in unsion – " no ya guys, you know how it's not our thing at all....atleast not for now, not until we are ready to cope up with the other side of the coin...it can be positive and yet be so overwhelming as well right...sometimes it just feels like it's a vicious cycle we want to keep ourselves away from..."

Sheena di rolls her eyes now and sighs – " Well to be honest...ever since that pretty cricketers article came out , I have been also getting a lot of comments that aren't really targeted towards cricket..so yeah...that is obviously not very kool...and definitely overwhelming not in a good way..."

Jess and me say in unison nodding our heads – " know what you mean di.."

Vedika nods and says – " yup guys that's also not kool at all...my comments section is totally also flooded in with comments based on my looks, so is Harleen's...so I get what you all mean..i anyway don't get it why they wrote that article anyway why focus more on our physical features when it's in the context of the sport?? i mean we care about how we play not about how we look while we play..."

We all nod our heads in collective unison.

Sheena di sighs and says – " yup...and more so I am getting offers for some ad shoots in my DM's now asking for dates and availabilities...when I am technically on an international tour on national duty and all I want to do is focus on my game...so have just mentioned it to them that I can only get back in touch when I am in India for to be honest as of now, I am really unsure whether I want to do any of the extra stuff anyway..."

Guys in that Pretty Articles List – they had listed out Mine, Sheena Di, Jess's, Vedika's and Harleen's name, and as you just heard the three of them are also dealing with the Reaction of that Online on their respective social handles.

We continue to talk more for a couple of more minutes on the same, and we ask Sheena di to take her time to think things through for herself obviously and once we are done Jess and Me say now in unison again, looking at each other – " which is why we are okay being off the whole thing for now....."

I smile as I admit to them – " I mean, I am like totally happy that some attention has turned towards our women's cricket guys..and the little spotlight that is coming onto each of us as players because of that is only more than enough for me...I don't know if I am ready to face the social media limelight abhi ke liye...which is why I am not even accessing fb off late..havent logged in since a long time..."

Jess nods – " yup me too..."

Sheena di grins and says – " yes ofcourse I understand...well I am sure obviously we all would agree that its got another side of the coin as well..just look at what our men in blue had to go through...but boy am I glad that – that storm for them has settled up online...they truly silenced the haters amazingly with their bats..."

OH YES SHEENA DI – YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THAT.

GUYS – DIDN'T I SAY THAT WHEN THOSE CLOUDS WOULD DISAPPEAR THE SUN WAS GOING TO SHINE WITH ALL IT'S MIGHT?

IT TRULY HAS.

MY STRANGER REST OF THE MEN IN BLUE UNIT HAVE PERFORMED SO BRILLIANTLY IN WEST INDIES !!!!!

And I am so Happyyyyyyyy* Infinity for My Love and the full Men in Blue Unit – obviously.

I bite back my Smile in the moment, with great difficulty again, just like Jess as we say casually – " oh yes we are glad about that too...it was about time that the onslaught of hate online against them stopped...."

Vedika nods and grins – " ohh yeahhh this online and social media it's a double edged sword indeed.. am so glad about that for them as well, and just look at how amazingly they all let their game talk for themselves...specially ASR...I can't hear many haters talking about removing him as Skipper now...what a fantastic victory that was in all three series in West Indies...and also this online world is like this only..right now everyone is flooding our handles with some encouragement and positivity..one loss and we will have comments saying the most of the usual, oh women cannot play cricket...there's a lot of hypocrisy out there..obviously.. one plateaued performance and i will have some comments saying - keep your mind in check Vedika and rethink your career choice rather than keeping the wickets..you know since I have obviously heard that one before...sometimes I just wonder where do they even get these jibes from in their heads..."

We all nod our heads in an instant understanding, sharing a warm amused chuckle with one another – wondering the same.

And it is right then Harleen calls us all on in for a Group Selfie in the centre of the Bus and we all happily get together with the full unit for the same calling in our support unit team also from the backend of the bus.

About five minutes later as our photo session finishes, everyone returns to take their seats back in the bus.Mira di announces that we should be at the Cape of Good Hope in another five to seven minutes and as I take my seat back - I instantly think of getting on a little chat with My Love – now. I was anyway about to text him earlier. I just hope he is free for a little chat though.Can be a long shot – but ill text him anyway.

Guys, Arnav is in the middle of Rohan Sir's wedding festivities right now as in right now the Day functions of Haldi Pooja lunch are going on there(India is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead off us in time , so its like around 230 Pm in the afternoon there already.)It's Rohan Sir's Wedding in the Evening. I am obviously aware that he is going to be surrounded by everyone right now.

I quickly text him taking on my chances.

Me : hey youuuuu my loveeee...how's the function going there????are you in the middle of lunch???? we are just about to reach the Cape of Good Hope in like seven minutes from now and I am like so excited to see the sight of the Oceans meeting with my own eye.Also yes, apart from the usual part of my heart sighing and missing you insane, please totally imagine me in an excited touristy mode right now!!!

I tap send and wait for his Reply.

Jess takes her seat next to mine now and says taking out her phone as well – " okayyy I am going to resume gettng on a little chat with Vikram, before we arrive..he did say they were all getting ready for lunch..he's surely having a wonderful time at Hridhaan's..."and she looks at me and winks – " I am so excited for the domestic Polo season to start Khushi...both Vikram and Hridhaan have been having such good games and wins..their time out in the UK for the Guardian club was so successful...and I hope the same for them this domestic season as well, although here they play for separate clubs..."

I grin to that as I say – " well I do wish the best for them obviously too..the season is starting off early next week with the majority of its first leg in Jaipur and Jodhpur right?Shivi is really excited to have Vikram stay over at their's for the duration of his time in Jaipur, you know how she looks up as much as to him as she does to Hridhaan..say hello to them from my side as well...will you please?????also tell shivi we will call her in the evening...aram se..."

Jess nods and grins – " oh yes...I will do that for sure..."and types into her phone.

I look at my phone again waiting for Arnav's reply still. Hasn't come yet.I think he's in the middle of lunch maybe??

She looks up a couple of seconds later – " okkkk, Vikram, Hridhaan and Shivi collectively say Helloo...they are just about to start lunch in five minutes...and vikram says that shivi says she's going to wait for our call..for she is uber excited to congratulate us for the series win again..."

I chuckle at that fondly as I say – " areee but she already did na on chat on whtsapp...acha you carry on chatting with Vikram for now Jess..we are about to reach in five minutes now maybe..since I do see the signage..we should be there soon.."

Jess grins at me and nods and returns her attention to her Phone.

And just as my eyes begin to look out the Window and the gorgeous scenery in the wait for Arnav's reply.

My Phone Beeps.

Dear Heart Leaps in Joy. Apologies dear gorgeous scenery. My Love's just texted. Gotta give my attention back to my Phone screen for now.

Him : hey you sparkle...apologies for being a minute late in my reply. The function is going great. Missing you insanely too – obviously. Just heading into lunch. And I am very sure that you are going love it out there with everyone a the Cape of Good hope/Cape Point..have a good time today sparkle..just relax and unwind. You all totally need this break.Also, please note that the only reason as to why I was a minute late in replying to your text right now was the fact that I was just busy talking about you with Cap right now( winks)

I grin as I reply.

Me : ohh reallyyyy were you nowww???what were you talking about me haan??

Him : oh yess really indeed...I was just telling him how I am still in awe over your amazing three innings in the ODI series love. I mean you made 85, 70 and 75 runs respectively in each of the innings Sparkle – how can I not be in awe of the way you swing your bat dammit?

I grin to myself as I read that.Lets have some fun.

Me : oh realllyyy??? Are you still in AWE for real?

Him : ofcourse dammit. You know I have a thing for when I see you all padded up in your gaming zone. Also you know very well that my heart skips a zillion beats when I see you play. And specially in the game you played last night – I do have to say this again – you did look extremely hot to my eyes anyway. I tell you – that concentrated gaming expression of yours – totally has my heart. Actually on that note – you know very well that all your expressions have my heart. So yes – its apt to say that I am pretty much still in AWE.

I can't stop grinning – Guys.

Me : haha...now you know exactly how I feel when I see you playing. Because I go through the exact same spectrum of emotions...on that note Skipper Blue...I do have to tell you one more time that off late – apart from your get up in blue...I have started to have a thing for your Test Match Look – You look way too Rakishly Hot to my eyes in White too..so maybe...I can also say..My Skipper White..sometimes now...haha...please know I am never going to stop giving you new names...like never thike?? Abhi tak toh just half list hi hua hai mera..full fleddged list banani hai..

Him : and I love the sound of that full fledged name list obviously Sparkle..for I am anyway fond of all the names you keep coining me with...ok Also guess what...just have to tell you this right now...Cap was just saying that your opening partnership with Sheena obviously has been one of the strong points for the unit and as we were talking about the media coverage of your unit's ODI series by the sports journalists that's come up online...he also said that he was really impressed (just like me) with the way Sheena and you paced your opening partnership innings from T20 to ODI. Usually its difficult to have the same opening combination going in both t20 and ODI but we have no doubts that the two of you are going to pull through it well... Also please note – not just Cap and me...a lot of us in the unit have been discussing out the performances you all have put up as a unit in this ODI series Sparkle and the minute the topic shifts to India's little hit girl hitting power with her sixes amidst everyone...I obviously bite back my smile and put up a straight face with great difficulty pretending to be all casual where in actually my hearts all beaming in happiness for You..

Me : thank you so much love for telling me this....your unconditional support always Is like my pillar of strength obviously – you know that don't you? also copy that to the last latter bit as in I am having great difficulty masking up my smile from curving up my lips the minute anyone else in the team talks about you as well...Sheena di and vedika were just talking about how they are all so glad as well that the hate storm against you and the unit has finally seen a pause up online and as to how youv all answered so brilliantly with the bat..and inwardly my heart was all like beaming in happiness and I was thinking to myself..oh I always knew that once these hate clouds could never overshadow the brightness of the sun and look now that the clouds have started to fade away, the sun really has been shining with all its might indeed...(heartssss)

Him : I love you Sparkle..

Me : I love you too My Hercules...(heartssssssss )

Him : you know what??I am so glad that I can atleast talk all openly to Cap and Akash about you now...for now that I actually talk about you to them often I have discovered that its absolutely crazy how much I love to talk about you. I think we need to rediscuss our - Whose the higher goner banter bit from earlier this morning Sparkle...I don't think a consensus is fair in here...I totally beat you to it...you just won't believe it though..

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : oh please love... you know very well that a consensus is like super duper fair enough thike????? WE ARE BOTH EQUALLY CRAZY.THIKE? And ohhhh I know what you mean though..for I like love to talk about you to Jess too na...(hearts)

Him : say hello to her...will you please??

Me : I will ofcourse ...shes chatting with Vikram right now just like I am chatting with you...we are going to reach to Cape Point soon na love...that's why...they'v all just about to start with lunch at Hridhaan's place...since its almost 240ish pm right there in India.Oh wait...you did say that you are just about to start lunch as well? I am not holding you up am i??????????

Him : oh cmon Sparkle...first thing out you are definitely not holding me up. Second thing out – you are my priority always...you very well know that..

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : yes my love I know that...but I don't want your stomach to rumble and tumble in hunger na...tell me sach mein I am not holding you up na??

Him : no you are not Sparkle...don't worry about it...we are just about to start lunch in a couple of minutes though now..walking to the buffet with Cap, Ravi and Shiv now...Veer's just joint in as well..akash, Anjali, payal, noor, Sachi maam are also just walking towards us right so that we can all get on in a collective group for lunch....godammit I miss you...so much right now..

Me : I knowwwww...meee too.....it's so great everyone's together....acha you eat your lunch now love..enjoy with everyone...we are also just pulling in to a stop soon...lets talk baad mein then aram se thike??

Him : Ok Sparkle...ill text you in a while love? Alright?? You also gotta send me your pics from your day out with everyone today..k? keep sending them throughout the day...

Me : oh yes I will pakka se send you some for sure...I already have a lot of your pics coming in from today since anjali and akash have been sharing it in our group na...but please you too send some alag se thike? acha you eat now my love...the bus has just finally come to the halt too...you get into your wedding guest mode and I will get into my tourist mode now....ravage kisses my love...ravage kisses...(don't reply now)

Him : Ravage kisses to you too Sparkle. (had too reply to that Sparkle)(winks) do I get some brownie points for sharing my pictures???

I chuckleeeee as I read that.

Me : achaaa look at you being all shameless– you want some brownie points for this also? Then toh what I should get a full jackpot of brownie points because of how you keep asking me to share pictures....

Him : haha...take the jackpot of brownie points Sparkle...it's a win win for me either ways...(winks) you have no idea what I have in store for you when I see you this time around Sparkle...breathe all you want freely for now for when I see you – you are going to have to make ado with breathing just off my Lips..

I gulp down a sip of water from Jess's water bottle – quickly.

Me : achaaa acha...thikeee...ravage me all you want...k?ab now stop putting me in Heinz mode na baba..i am supposed to be in a touristy mode thike...now how will I focus on the gorgeous scenery otherwise? And wait..aren't you like serving yourself lunch right now?? stop texting na love..

Him : yes I am..i just served myself our favourite salad preparation Sparkle..thought of you..obviously..

Me : ohkk yumm to that...but now you don't reply na Arnav or we will keep chatting ..i also gotta go now..everyones starting to get off the bus...

Him : ok then love..will just get on with eating..you enjoy your time out with everyone– won't reply now. Will text you as we are all done with lunch and everything.Reminder – I want pictures.Lots of them. Until we text again Sparkle...Ravage kisses.

Me : haan haan pakka promise...ok then my love...until we text again..Ravage kisses...(don't reply now and eattttttt)

I smile to myself as I put my phone back in my sling bag as I see that mostly everyone has got off the bus and Sheena di pops her head back into the bus now as she calls out to Jess and Me and couple more of our support tea members who were still at the back getting set to get off and I see Jess put her phone back in her sling too as we both get up and I grin at her as I whisper in her ear leaning – " Mr Stranger says hello..."

She grins at me and says in a whisper– " I will send him a hello with a picture of you...that should make him grin...."

I chuckle as I walk out behind her and I say – " oh now he's got you on the picture spree as well kya?"

Jess chuckles – " ofcourse...he has..."and she gets off the bus now as she says happily – " come on let's get set go to have some touristy fun Khushi..."

I chuckle to her happily as I say, jumping out behind her –" let's get set go Jess...," and we high five each other happily and start to make our way out of the parking area along-side the rest of our unit towards - Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope.

Let's See The Point – Where these Two Mighty Oceans Meet.

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

Authors Note - Including Some pics and Videoss from YouTube of Cape Point to just get the feel of the place - totally going to insert them in HW1.0.as well.













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

HOURS LATER

Same Day – New Delhi – Late at Night 330AM

ARNAV'S POVS

Guys.

I totally meant it when I texted My Sparkle earlier this afternoon that we really need to reopen the discussion of our mischievous banter over which one of us is the Highest Level of Goner over the other – again.

Why so??

Because if I begin to tell you all the thought's that have been crossing my Heart since the last couple of days and more so especially today – you will surely agree with me on the fact that when it comes to being the Highest Goner in Love – I kind of totally beat my Sparkle to it.

And to be honest, I do think that all of these thoughts of mine are not just driven by the environment settings around me for these last couple of days. They are totally also driven by the depth of my emotions for Khushi.

What are these thoughts – I am sure you must be wondering?

I'll get to it – without further delay. For I am kind off a little short on time. As in – we (Anjali, akash and me)are on our way back home from Rohan's wedding right now (Mom and Dad are in the other car)and we should be home in about ten minutes or so – and I am then going to jump to get on a video call with my Sparkle almost immediately, since she is also on her way back to the Hotel right now with everyone after her late dinner and drinks night out with everyone. Its midnight in Cape Town right now.

Anyways.

Let's get straight to my Intense Thoughts – which are also kind of conflicting in my emotions.

So ever since these last couple of days since I have been busy in helping everyone at home prep up for Anjali's wedding preparations and amidst attending Rohan's wedding functions- for the first time ever – I'v been having these thoughts of wanting to settle down in terms of my personal life for Good as well.

As in with regards to Marriage.

And it has everything to do with the fact that I have found the one I want to spend the rest of my Life with.

I am dead serious about Khushi– Obviously.

I want to be with Khushi for the rest of my life and for the first time ever amidst all these wedding settings around me add the magnitude of my intense emotions for Khushi add the fact how I am also going crazy in the Major Missing-Her Mode – I felt in my heart – that I am ready to commit to Marriage as well.

Now coming to the point of why these bits of my thoughts are conflicting in my emotions as well.

Because I know very well that even though Khushi loves me very deeply and truly – she probably is very far away from the idea of marriage in her head. It's obvious that she wouldn't have the thought ring in her head as of now. This is exactly where our age difference comes into play guys – as in I am 28 now but she has just turned 21 and I know very well that getting married at 21 – is no where on My Sparkle's Mind as of now.And as much as I always tell her everything without any filters – I am obviously conflicted in my emotions right now because I obviously do not want to risk freaking My Sparkle out with my intense thoughts of the feel of wanting to settle down in terms of Marriage.

I know she is not Ready.Which is why – I haven't yet talked to her about this and I don't think I can for quite a while, hence as much as I hate to keep anything major from her, I think I am going to have to keep these intense thoughts to myself for a quite a bit.

Because there's another very serious fact in here that I am dead serious about – obviously. And that is the fact that - I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO QUALMS IN WAITING FOR MY SPARKLE – anyway.

She is the Love of My Life and I'd always want her to feel like she wants to enter into a level of commitment herself – at first.And so for that if I have to Wait for her – then so be it.

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps.

It's Her.

Her : Love...okkkk...you have to know this first..like sabseeeee pehleeeee...I think for the first time ever I feel like I am edging from a little tipsy to a little drunk right now...but I just had two drinks ..one at dinner and just one after na as you already know..thike? then how can I get drunk with just two drinks?? Like who gets drunk after just two Drinks yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa????????GUESS..GUESS...WHO?????? Flash News : Your Sparkle – obviously.

Me : Godaamit you...how many times do I have to tell you Sparkle..just stop being so adorable on text. I might as well fly to you right now since apparently I could do nothing = peanuts about inventing that damm teleportal...and its ok if you feel like you are getting a little high Sparkle...you don't drink often so its normal for you to feel so after just two drinks as well..

Her : haan na...that's what I was thinking to myself also...that could be because rarely have drinks anyway na...and oohhhh yes fly to me pleaseee...will you please??? uff I miss you insane.acha listen na on a serious note...Have you reached home now love?? I really really need to just talk to you right now..i am reaching the hotel in like five...please tell me that we can get on a video call sooonnnnnn love....Jess is planning to catch up with everyone for PS in Sheena di's room since Vikram is already asleep because he has his polo practice early morning.. which technically means that we will have the privacy to talk aram se...its such a good thing that you have a day off tomm as well love..so am kind off not feeling guilty at keeping you up later into the morning...it is 330 am for you already naa..

Me : reaching home in five too Sparkle. so we should be good to connect on the video call in like 6 minutes maybe? I am adding a minute because its going to take me a minute to get to my room after saying a quick goodnight to everyone.and you know very well that I am just dying to be with just you right now..we anyway have been catching up mostly on chat/and just some quick calls after this mornings video call..since either you were busy with everyone at your end or I was caught up here at my end amidst Rohan's wedding festivities..so please note that I am more than just glad to know that Jess and everyone else has plans to catch up on some PS time....

I tap send – grinning.

Her : yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee * Infinity to that. Six minutes is good love..totally good....i'd need that one minute too as well to get to the room...can't wait....i just can't wait...dear heart is all like – Hey K, can these six minutes pass and fly already?????? Also...I...I..

Me : also what Sparkle? why didn't you complete what you want to say?

Her : Arnav...I...I..

Me : whats wrong Sparkle? why do i sense so much worry in your words right now all of a sudden? Everything okay at your end? You are with Jess, Sheena and vedika in the cab right??

Her : yes yes I am with them only love...as in everything's okay that way Arnav...I am safe...don't worry about that...its just that there's this thought that I have been fighting in my head since this afternoon...I wanted to talk to you about it aram se...we haven't had the time too na in the rush of the day at our ends...

Me : what thought is this Sparkle?? and why are you so worried though?

Her : can we talk about it couple of minutes? When we are on the video call? I do not want to risk tearing up in front of Sheena di and Vedika..they will ask why...

Ok.

That makes me worried all of a Sudden too.

Did she just say she feels like she wants to Tear Up?????

I look out the windshield. Its going to take us three minutes to reach home. Akash and Anjali are busy chatting among themselves in the backseat.

Me : Sparkle...talk to me..why do you feel like you want to tear up dammit??

Her : I will obviously...give me a couple of minutes thike??I am with Sheena di and vedika also na abhi..if it would have been just Jess I would have texted you right now only...just give me a couple of minutes..

Me : ok Sparkle..I understand...let's talk about this first thing out as we get on the call...okay??

Her : okay my love...just like a minute away from the hotel also

Okay guys..usually I can read and sense what's going on in My Sparkle's head but as of now I really have no clue as to what's making her want to feel like tearing up all of a sudden.

I thank my stars as I see the curb which leads to the driveway towards Home.

Me : I am just a minute away from Home too Sparkle..

Her : thank god that you aree..am getting off the cab now love let's connect in a couple of minutes or so then? Pls call the minute you are in the room...I will be in the room by then surely..

Me : cars pulling into the driveway love..just give me about 120 seconds

Godaamit...like I always say..once again these last couple of minutes until the moment where in it's just My Sparkle and me - seem to feel like the Longest – Indeed.

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

A couple of Minutes Later

Arnav POV Continues

I enter into my room at the speed of light and slide the door shut and I do not wait another second as I call her up on the video call immediately – walking into my room.

To My Surprise – she Cuts the Call.

I plonk myself on the sofa – worried as I call her again.

She cuts the call again.

What's wrong with Her – Dammit.

Why is she cutting my calls??????

I ring her up on her Number in a voice call – next.

She cuts that Too.

Okkk – now my frustration is rising up obviously.

Before I can text her – my phone beeps with her message.

Her : give me five minutes...love..please...I do not want you to see me right now...

I quickly text her.

Me : Sparkle...do not do this to me dammit. Whats wrong?? You are scaring the hell out of me right now..and what do you mean you do not want me to see you right now?? you wanted us to connect the minute I would be in the room right??

Her : yes I wanted that obviously..i still want that..but...

Me : but what?????????? pick up the phone now..pleaseee...

Her : but its like I didn't know that I wouldn't be able to hold back my tears na as in Jess went to Sheena di's room straight away and its like the minute I came in to the room...I'v just been crying...and I know you don't like to see my tears..and on top of that I am sure I am looking like a ghost with my make up running down my face right now..i obviously do not want you to see me looking like a mess right now...

Ok...Now I am getting way too Worried.

What's up with her?????

Me : I don't freaking care if you look like a mess right now..all I care is the fact that I need to see you right now and get you to stop crying...why are you crying in the first place???? whats wrong??? What happened????????????? Sparkle...if you love me and your 22 yards...I freaking dare you to pick up the phone this very second...

Her : love...please do not use these trump cards right now na...pleaseee....

Me : I don't freaking care..i just did...

I video call her immediately.

Thank God she picks up.

And while I am waiting for her face to come into my phone screen – I run my hands through my hair in worry and frustration, because all I see is the roof of her hotel room right now but not my Sparkle.She's probably plonked up on her stomach on her bed, with her head buried into the pillows crying and she's placed the phone next to her – which is how I can see that dammed roof and not her.

I sigh as I say – " Sparkle...please come into the frame dammit...why are you showing me the roof?? What's wrong with you???? please talk to me dammit????please just come into the frame right now... What are you thinking????don't do this to me dammit...you know it's killing me..."

Thank God she listens and I see the phone moving a little as she finally shoves it in front of her face and says softly in between sobs, not locking her gaze with mine – " why do you want to see me looking like a messy ghost yaaa...let me atleast get my make up off and wash my face maybe...can I call you back in like two minutes..??"

But I can't let her get away from my sight right now – why won't she understand that?

I don't care if she thinks she looks likes a Messy Ghost right now.

And as I continue to see tears rolling down her cheeks continuously still – I feel my heart twich in pain as I say – "no I am sorry but I can't let you get away from my sight right now...not until you talk to me and tell me what's wrong Sparkle?? and please know that you most definitely do not look like a messy ghost to my eyes right now Sparkle...you just look like you are extremely disturbed about something...so please get talking now..please talk to me and tell me whats triggered you to cry this way? Did something happen with anyone at the unit??"

She shakes her head in a Negative silently and continues to cry as she says in between sobs – " no ya...everything is okay with everyone here..."

I sigh as I ask – " is there anything that you are concerned about game wise??"

She shakes her head in a Negative again.

I sigh as I say – " look Sparkle...usually I can read your turmoil's but right now I am not able to get my head around it at all...so pleaseee for heaven's sake just talk to me...please...drink up some water please first? I can't take your sobs right now..."

Khushi nods and she finally sits up in bed and first drinks up some water and once she is done she keeps the glass aside and brushes her hand through her hair flipping it to one side and she wipes her tears off her cheeks and sniffles looking down from my eyes, picking up a face tissue to wipe the tears from the side of her nose and I gesture her to talk to me and she sighs and says now leaning her head back into the headrest – " so I had this disturbing thought this afternoon..."

I ask immediately – " afternoon when?? As in everything was okay with you when we got onto our chats prior to you getting off the bus to head to cape point and even after when we spoke while you were at that lighthouse with everyone..."

She says softly, nodding – " yes yes everything was okay then..remember how I was so excited because of how gorgeous the whole setting was around me... I mean I obviously gushed to you excitedly that I just wanted to capture the sight of the oceans meeting in my eyes for good...and I was just missing you so very much at that moment in time as well...but apart from that everything was okay...its just that after this bit..as in after we got off our chat at that point in time...I..I.."

I say sincerely – " Sparkle..its me...your stranger...since when do you need to think so much before voicing what's in your mind out to me haan??"

Khushi sighs as fresh tears ooze out her eyes – " I know...but I need to think na..love..because this is about us..."

Ok.

Now I am Puzzled.

What does she Mean?

I ask sure that my Puzzlement was evident in my voice – " what do you mean Sparkle??also please...keep wiping your tears away..dammit.."

Khushi sighs as she says now wiping a string of her tears – " so basically....when we were all at the restaurant at lunch and once again your and the men in blue topic came up because Harleen showed us all the pictures from Rohan sir's wedding festivities that Ravi posted up online on his insta...and I was once again biting back my smile with great difficulty....that was when this first strange thought came to my head love..and it startled me completely and then eventually as It just kept revolving at the back of my head all day after it led to a chained affect of everything that's worried me...emotionally..."

I ask immediately – " ok you need to tell me what this triggering thought is Sparkle..."

She sighs and her eyes well up again and she says softly – " as to how so much is similar and yet so much is apart..."

I ask puzzled and confused – " with regards to??"

I am hoping that she Doesn't say – US. I don't think there's anything – apart- when it comes to US. There never will be...I wont allow any -Apart - bit to wedge its way IN.

She sighs – " US..obviously..."

I ask worried – " what do you mean Sparkle???? why are we talking about what's apart...and your eyes tell me you don't mean the distance bit obviously..."

She nods – " yes I don't mean the distance bit ya love...I mean...that so much is similar because in our hearts everything about us in the core of it all is the same...as in You are my Stranger and I am your Sparkle...and that will always be the same...we love each other truly, madly and deeply..and we always will...right?"

Ok.

The sound of that and the underlying emotion in her voice eases my nerves. She doesn't mean – APART – in its literal sense. She's just very emotional right now and is trying to imply something else altogether and I am consumed with so much worry seeing her cry this way...so I somehow cannot get my head to understand this bit clearly already.

I say now with a sincere smile – " yes love..we love each other truly, madly and deeply and that will always be the same...you are my Sparkle and I am your Stranger and we always will be..."

She smiles a little through her tears right now as she nods and wipes her tears.

Thank You God.

I gesture her to continue.

She says softly – " and even in our realities even though everything narrows down to similar worlds in terms of our profession and families as well...yet there's so much right now in our realities that is apart...as in not distance wise but with the fact that along with being Stranger and Sparkle...you are also Captain ASR and I am the little hit girl...and it's because of this bit...that we'v had to maintain this entire secrecy cover in front of the world right?? so there are two things that have worried me insanely..first thing out..what's disturbed me is the fact that I just feel like a selfish beast of the highest order right now..because this afternoon amidst all this thought processing I just realised that in my request to you for keeping US a secret..i never for once asked you as to how you feel about it all in the first place...as in I always asked you if you understand my reasons and you always said that you do understand the reasons and everything and I just took it all for granted maybe...as in I never asked you how do you feel about it In your emotions love...as in what if in all this process of secrecy iv just made you feel like let down emotionally...as in what if I made you feel like that I am hiding US because I am not serious enough to talk about US...I just feel like I'v hurt you so much with this...how could I not even ask you once that Arnav I know you understand but how do you feel about this?? You don't feel let down emotionally right?? you don't feel like I am hiding us because I am not serious enough...how could I not ask you this??I am so worried that I feel like iv hurt you so much with this unintentionally..."

OK.

GUYS.

CALL ME CRAZY.

BUT I LITERALLY SIGH IN RELEIF.

Godaamit – My Sparkle.

SO INNOCENT AND PRECIOUS.

This is what she is crying about this way????????????

But know what?

I get her. I know exactly where she is coming from.And its now on me to reassure her that – never have I ever felt Hurt on this accord ever.

I say sincerely – " look up at me Sparkle...please??look into my eyes right now.."

She does.

And a fresh line of tears leaves both her eyes now again and she says softly – " I am sorry...I am so sorry...for hurting you this way...as in it happened unintentionally..i wasn't realising this..and now that I do..i am just thinking that I'v let you down emotionally maybe...like i just feel like so guilty right now...as in I know this could maybe come across as a little immature to you perhaps...but this is a big deal for me...as in...I would never want to hurt you in anyway thike...like be it unknowingly..so please forgive me...and please tell me how do you actually feel about this whole secrecy cover like emotionally..??"

My voiceboxes choked for a bit for my hearts all stumped with emotion because I can see only love and emotion for myself shining in her eyes right now and I say softly, locking my gaze with her emotional ones – " okk first thing out...no this is not coming across as anything immature to me Sparkle...I know where you are coming from...your hearts way too precious and innocent and you wana know how I feel about this in my emotions...then just look into my eyes...they will tell you...do my eyes tell you that I feel like any hurt whatsoever with regards to this??? Did my eyes ever give away any hurt ever??."

She shakes her head in a No – adorably as she says wiping a line of her tears – " no...your eyes don't tell me you are hurt with regards to this, they never did earlier too..which is how this never occurred to me prior Arnav..but that's what...you love me way too much..you'd never even tell me if I mess up or hurt you..and I'd just hate to be the one to hurt you in anyway...so pls tell me honestly if youv ever felt let down ever because of this...and incase if you have..then I am sorryyyy* infinity for that truly dil se....please forgive me..."

I smile on reflex as I say sincerly – "Sparkle...there's nothing to forgive...you are getting worked up and worried for no reason really...this has never been a concern for me ever..ask me why??"

She asks softly wiping the remains of her tears away – " whyyy??"

I admit sincerely – " because never have I ever doubted your intentions or your love for me..and I never will...as in I am very clear in my head about the fact that the reasons why we are keeping this a secret is due to your professional reasons...not for once did this thought ever occur to me that you don't want to talk about us because you aren't serious about US...I know you are into me..sweetheart...I know you love me insane...I'd be crazy to doubt that..ever..."

Her eyes instantly reflect a dash of relief as she asks adorably and sincerly– " pakka se na?? you mean this na??? like you just aren't saying it to make me feel better na???

I admit sincerely – " I mean it Sparkle...I mean it...look into my eyes and tell me if they tell you anything otherwise..."

She continues to wipe the remains of her tears as she says now smiling a little – " your eyes are only shining with love and emotion for me right now..so I guess you mean it for real.."

I nod as I say biting back my smile feeling all relieved – " I mean it for real* infinity se...Sparkle.."

That makes her chuckle a little and she sighs as she says now looking worriedly into my eyes – " there was another second thought..love...I mean I am feeling better about the first..but the second one is still nagging in my head..."

I say sincerely – "okkk..lets pluck the second nagging thought out as well..."

Khushi sighs and says sincerely locking her nervous eyes with mine – " somehow I am just feeling scared that what if the fact that we are also Skipper ASR and Little Hit Girl eventually ends up stirring up so much noise around us as in when the secrecy bit comes out – that the noise ends up disturbing our peace??our professional roles and these spotlights won't drive us apart right??? Channel 1 won't cause a disturbance in our channel 4 na??I mean our professional roles already do so physically in real time due to distance but I am not concerned about distance because that we will cope up with...but I am talking about the emotional distance...the noise from the outside won't create a wedge in between us emotionally na??" and her eyes well up again as she says wiping a tear outta the corner of her eye – " I am telling you right now only thike ..love...I can handle this physical distance....but i am afraid I won't be able to handle any sort of a emotional distance from you...ever...I wont be able to take it..dear heart says it will go on a revolt..if such a thing ever happens..."

My heart is once again stumped with emotion as I say sincerely – "and do you think that I have it in me to handle any sort of a emotional distance from you Sparkle??? ever???what does the Supreme court of the Heart say haan?"

She shakes her head in a negative as she says softly – " dear heart says that's its sure that we both cannot ever handle any sort of emotional distance in between of us..."

I grin and nod – " dear Heart knows me well...so this just means that Sparkle...we just need to continue holding each others hand tight like we do...and everything will be okay...we can face just about anything together...allright???? And like you always say its upto us anyway..we decide as to how much importance we want to give to external noise anyway Sparkle...and from where I see it...id give it zero weightage anyway.."

Khushi nods as she says with a sigh of relief – " I know me too...id give it zero weightage too..."

I say now grinning – "and on that note let me remind you...that you'v talked about me indirectly to everyone who truly matters to you at your side love...my identity maybe coded still...but you'v talked about us nonetheless right? so how could you even think for once that id ever doubt your intentions sweetheart and feel let down emotionally in anyway????"

Khushi sighs in relief as she smiles a little brushing her hand through her hair – " oohh I guess this is all your fault only...my stranger??"

I chuckle to that as I ask – " really ?? and how is that my fault??"

She grins now and this grins totally from her heart – for it lights up m world immediately and she says – " ofcourse it is your fault ya....as in iv just been feeling so vulnerable missing you thikeeeee...that it just led to these worries creeping up ya...also yes it's the fault of this alcohol also.. I think these drinks ended up making me feel even more vulnerable and I ended up over reacting maybe and got all worked up for no reason..and worked you up also...theres absolutely nothing to worry about...like you said we can deal with anything and everything..together...haina???and we will..."

I nod grinning – " yes we will....i haven't caught hold of your hand to let it go..alright Sparkle?? I am never going to let it go...I can't..i just can't...I just don't have it in me too..."

Khushi gives me a heartfelt smile as our eyes lock emotionally and intensely – " I don't have it in me too...please remember to always to hold my hand tighter come what may thike...I toh will always hold yours the tightest...like totally in fewiquick version..i didn't say fevicol because fewiquick is a better adhesive na....on that note how about if we add this in our promissory summons as well..you know like a fresh reminder to always keep our hands glued in fewiquick version come what may..."

I chuckle to that happily as I say – " yup..lets do that..let's totally do that Sparkle.."

She nods happily and I ask sincerly– " you feel better now?? anything else that's making you feel weighed down??"

Khushi shakes her head in a negative as she says – " nopeee nothing else making me feel weighed down at all love...I feel so much better now like all light and freee...only you can handle me through my these moodswings yaa...but yes there's this tiny miny thing though...and that's the fact that I am still in major missing you – mode...goshhh just why can't we fly to each other ya....like I know that asking for Danny's dragons to fly around was a long shot anyway but...yeh Aladin ka magic carpet koi kyun nai deta mujhe...I also want a genie ya..."( why no one gives me Aladin's magic carpet ya...I also want a genie ya..)

We share a warm laugh at that as I say grinning – " okk now I can safely say that my Sparkle is back in her mode...godammit I love you...you have no idea how worried I was when I saw you cry that way...I hate your tears..dammit..."

Khushi smiles, and gets off the bed and starts to walk towards the washroom, wiping the last remains of her tears away – " ooppsss ya sorry about that love...and I love you so much too...and now give me five minutes...I do not want to continue looking like a ghost in front of you thike..pata chale my dreams in your head become nightmares now...let me wash my face and everything...thike?"

I chuckle as I say getting off my sofa from the suite side of my room and walking towards my bedside – " no not thike...mat jao na (don't go na)..just be with me right now.."

Khushi smiles and asks furring up her eyebrows adorably – " not even five minutes ??"

I shake my head as I loosen u the tie of my suit and take off my coat and plonk on my bed all relaxed – " no not even five minutes...just want to be with you.."

Khushi smiles adorably as she says – " well copy that my love...acha wait..ill just use my wipes then...and we can keep talking while I wipe my face clean..k?"

I nod happily and I watch her shove through her stuff in the bathroom and she places the phone on a position on the ledge and begins to wipe her face clean and I say now – " well only because I was consumed with so much worry at first...I forgot to tell you that you look absolutely hot to my eyes right now..you know I love this off shoulder look on you..."

Khushi chuckles as she says sticking her tongue out to me playfully, as she continues to wipe her face clean – " well..reminder Mr Stranger you already did tell me that when I sent my picture to you after getting ready for dinner on text...just like I told you right then..that I am absolutely bonkers for this look of yours all suited up...on that note..how was the wedding ya?? I mean the girls were obviously showing us all the pictures that shiv, ravi, singh were positng up on their insta...samaira made such a pretty gorgeous bride...they really make an amazing couple...I so wish them all the best ya..."

Oh Boy.

Sparkle.

You just didn't remind me about the Wedding Bit.

Because that's just made my heart ache with a little Longing as I get reminded of my intense thoughts of feeling like I am ready to commit to marriage and once again I remind myself that I am going to have to wait quite a bit to see you dressed as my Bride.

Khushi waves her hand in front of the screen as she asks – " you there love?? or connections hung up??"

I get out of my thoughts as I grin at her and say – "no connections okay love...the wedding was great..it was a lot of fun..they are really made for each other..now its just the reception tomorrow and we are all back to pitch duties from day after to prepp up for Zimbave coming in to tour...and since Rohan is resting out of the tour..Yuvaan's joining shiv in the opening this time around..so a lot of practice in store for us as we are going to work out some new combinations from day after...anyways you tell me first...tell me all about how dinner was...and tomorrow you guys are touring the city right?table mountain and everything right??"

Khushi nods happily as she walks back into the room now and plonks herself on the bed again and asks happily – " ohh yess...that's what the plan is...cape town is so gorgeous na...we are totally touring it out tomoorow because after our intense weeks practice sessions here..we shall be travelling out from here to various other cities..for the t20 series na...but hey...are you sure you want me to start with my rant now though ? as in its like almost hitting 440am for you na..aren't you tired love? we can talk in the morning also na..."

I shake my head in a negative loving the sight of her all grinning and happy in front of me now – " nope..not tired at all...talking to you right now before sleeping is exactly what I need my love...so come on shoot on with your rant..."

Khushi nods her head happily and she begins to tell me about how dinner with everyone was and their plans for tomorrow with all details and plans and I can't help but feel all peaceful and content in my Heart once again.

Sparkle, my Love - I do plan to hold your Hand all tight in the FewiQuick Mode – Forever and Beyond – come what May.

I promise you that with all my Heart.

On that note guys – I think you all would agree that maybe technically there might be a lot of adhesives out there that are a lot stronger that Fewiquick – but maybe none of those adhesives can ever match up in consistency with the powerful emotional adhesive off the sincere, true and deep emotion called – LOVE.

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

Authors Note – Wanted to Include a Nice Bollywood Number to end the Update with..Hope you all enjoy listening to it.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Would be eager to know all your thoughts on the same.And yes I know all of you are also waiting for Stranger and Sparkle to meet in real time – and with regards to my plot line planned..there's just one or at the maximum two more updates to that – I promise wont make you all wait long for that since we are also going in on frequent leaps..but I most definitely want to included these moments into their long distance angle as well – since Long Distance also comes with its shares of bits right because you focus on nurturing a bond of love – irrespective of parallel realities.

Next Update : Shall now be on Friday/Saturday Evening.(This week only Two Updates)Will resume– in the usual three Updates from next week on.

Also guys – Please do check out this wonderful Initiative – The Arshi Community – which has been started with the aim of getting all of us to connect/bond/ with one another – as most of us share the common love for Arnav/Khushi. The community is really gearing up, and is a very positive, supportive and collaborative space for us all Arshi lovers, be it readers or writers. Do take a minute to check it out.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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

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