Invisible Strings * Ongoing*

23. The Call

Well, Rajesh Maan could clearly see that Khushi was over the moon – in the moment. And as much as that sight of her – warmed his heart – it also sent him straight into the dungeons of massive fear yet again.

As if the dinner last night, hadn't been bombing enough for his withins? If that was a bomb on his being – the developments in the morning – were totally like a full blown nuclear attack of fear in his withins...

The boy had passed on a thanks to them – through Khushi – for their blessings.And – he was coming to Fiji.And he was going to stay in his home....

But what was truly running in the boys mind – with this intention of his? He, so wanted to know. Surely, Arnav had some other intention in here as well...

What if he was doing all of this – today? So that he could also use the moments in the present – to give it back to him for what he did in the past? Like – in your face – style? You wanted me out of your daughters life...Mr.Maan...but see...here I am back in her life and I will stay right under your roof this time around and you wont be able to do a damm about it....and I will enjoy blackmailing you..

What if, he threatened him with telling Khushi the truth and  blackmailing him on regular basis...here on?

Oh , he had all these thoughts running in his head ever since post breakfast even more – which was why his belief was strengthened that he just had to make the call to the boy once Khushi left to join her work unit. And he'd also given Ellie the idea to head out for some relaxing time at the Spa post Khushi's departure under the pretext that he wanted to get some work done – for a couple of hours himself.

And now, Khushi had left.

Ellie was in the Spa..

And he was here in his room – consumed in deep conflicting thoughts as he toyed with his phone – thinking what was it that he'd exactly say to the Boy – first? On the Call. After all these years?

The memories of his(Arnav's) choked sobs on the other end – the last time – he'd hung up on him years ago – also returned to haunt him...with deep shades of guilt...his heart told him he should just sincerely apologize to begin with..

But then once again in the moment - the status of his withins was still on the lines off fear > guilt – which is why his mind told him that if he showed immediate vulnerability in the moment and the boy did have intentions of blackmailing him...he'd be making it easier for him to do so immediately with showcase of vulnerability..

So, he just burried the guilt back in taking a deep breathe and finally called the boy...

He had his last concert in Australia beginning in a shortwhile – as Khushi had told him – before leaving – he was going to be busy and all caught up..Rajesh assumed...

But in his gut – he knew – the boy would just pause on it all to take his call – the minute he'd see his name flashing on his screen....

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

At Australia – Last Concert Venue

In Arnav's Green Room

6:10 PM