Invisible Strings * Ongoing*

23. The Call

"Fair enough boy...fair enough...you have every right to resent me...still...but atleast tell me, that when you see me in Fiji...you will be able to act like you speaking to me for the very first time...for in front of Khushi..for her happiness...you'd have to pretend the same atleast...?,"he asks.

Arnav closes his eyes hard at that again. The very idea of pretending to be on happy, cordial, terms with this man – was butchering his insides already but just like that as the imaginary vision off Khushi's happy smiling face crosses his mind at the probable sight – he feels his heart chose instantly and he sighs and admits into the phone – " incase...you haven't figured yet already...Mr.Maan...for Khushi's happiness...I'd do anything...and if that involves...me having to pretend to be on goody terms with you in front off her in Fiji..than so be it....i'd play my part...and im sure..I don't need you to remind you to play yours...in our favour...always..here on?"

" I was hoping...you'd say that..boy...and no...you don't need to remind me on that...anymore...I know...what I got to do....."

And Arnav says now unable to stay on phone longer with the man because of mixed onslaught of emotions within –" if you don't have anything to say anymore...I'd like to hang up...now...Mr.Maan...,"and at that he hears an instant – okay, I am done saying what I had too - from his end – and Arnav finally just hangs up his phone at that and flings it aside momentarily and sits back into his chair – burying his hands in his head...for just about two minutes..as the context of the conversation with the man went through his head again.

Godammit.

Just what did he start with? And what did it end with?

ARNAV would never be able to comprhened him – perhaps? Or understand his shades of grey? Had this been his call of sheer sincerity, apology and Truce? He couldn't conclude that immediately in his head.

But what thing, was still certain – in Arnav's being – nonetheless. That - he most surely, would never be able to use the word – forgiveness+ rajesh maan together in one context...ever....

How could he ever forgive?

His gut reminded him just then,as his eyes fell on the time - that now was not the time to give the man a thought anymore...for he had a performance to get on with ...which meant that he had to find his sense of calm...back...

And in his heart he knew – there was only one way to that – in the moment.

The sound off Khushi's Voice..

And so he texts her immediately - finally - just taking deep breathes to compose himself in the time

Him : Baby...can I call you? are you with the brief meeting still with the entire unit? I just feel like I need to hear your voice right now..even if it is for ten seconds...

His phone beeps.

Her : Arnav...are you okay? why do I sense something off by the way you wrote that?whats worrying you? you have your performance...in a shortwhile...is anything messed with the last minute preps or something..and you better reply on this this second...am worried..dammit...something happened or what? what happened?

Arnav's heart swells with love as he reads that part of her catching the hunch but he writes to cover up :

Him : Nah. Baby...nothing happened.All preps are set. Nothing is wrong. I just feel like I wana hear your voice...talk to you...before I go on stage...this time too...this is just about that...don't worry...you worry too much about me...you know..not that...I am complaining...sweetheart...

Her: aww...so it's more about that then..then...its okay..I know...I get so worked up at times...when it comes to you...don't I? okay...then...just give me four minutes? if possible?our brief meeting is just winding up...ill call you..instantly...then – k? you still have fifteen mins until you go on stage na?

He quickly types : yes, fifteen minutes still to that,okay...I am waiting...

Her : be with you...in four minutes..k?

Him : Okay!

And as he taps send to that..he just quickly picks up a glass of water and gulps it down. Already...her texts were making him feel better...her voice would do its magic on him..in the moment too!

They'd talk and he'd be able to just forget that mixed-shaded Call - he'd had with her daddy just now. Anyway in front of her he had to pretend that this Call never happened...just like he had always pretended in front off her- that - that Call from him years ago..had not happened too...

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

Tadaaaaa!!

How was that you all? What do you think of The Call? And the talk in between the two? Mixed shaded – much?. Well, Rajesh Maan is just like he said...shades of grey...

Next Update – Next Tuesday

But yes,I will see you all tomorrow still, with the second update of Hit wicket My heart 4.0...

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

Now and always

Prachi