Hellooooo Guysssssssss....
Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound amidst the rising Covid Tsunami in India. Stay in and Stay Safe – Guysss!!🙏🙏🙏🙏
And Yup here I am on Tuesday with a back to back update off HW3.0 given that I did end up going on a Writing Spree for most parts of the Day!👩💻👩💻👩💻👩💻😉😉😉😉(and yes it's the extended first meet – update – winks)
Word Count – Medium-Long Length – 7.8K Words.
Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off – Everything Covid!🙏 And I truly hope – that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too.❤
Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!
Thank you so very much guys* Infinity for all your Support to my Work till now! A big thanks to everyone – for also taking out time and sharing their feedbacks with me in the Authors+ Opinion Note Prior to these Updates. It's helped me reflect over my writing craft – before beginning to write this Journey!
Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.
And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.
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TAKE 2.1 – Candy Floss
Same Day – At The Thorpe Park
A Little Over Three Hours Later
3:10 PM
Khushi's POV
I chuckle to myself a little as I pause in my tracks for just a second and I kind off rotate my phone around to show Maya and Sarah up the crazy fun ride I am about to indulge in next and I say – " see guys – I am totally about to just sit on that one water slide next – before I go on my last ride for the day...and even though I'v been on it like a gazillion times I can't help but feel this excited...and after which I shall just soak in the elements of animation around as usual..."
They were in the middle of eating their lunches during their break from their regular day at work and we got into a little chat on our group on Whtsapp as I was strolling my way here to this spot after finishing up my quick snack. We obviously switched to our usual video call. It's a good thing I have earpods plugged in though.
Maya chuckles as she says – " yup..we know that K – that one's off your favourites or maybe just all of Thorpe park is – I mean just look at you loving your day out there again..."
Sarah chuckles and adds – "yeah..Maya...ofcourse she is loving it – did you see that smile up her face?its surely a lot relaxed and better than the one she was trying to compose and frame at us this morning when we left the house..so yeah...babe...am just glad that you look so much for relaxed..."
Well – they are totally right about that. For I was loving it as usual – because all the crazy screaming for the little of last three hours or so on rides – was making me feel so much better restoring me back to into feeling a lot lighter. Just need to scream out a little bit more – before I complete my self-venting out session for the day!
I flip the camera around to make them look at me and I answer honestly – "seriously guys – I am feeling a lot lighter plus I do have to fill you in on something really strange that happened – alright? maybe later tonight? For I know you both gotta get back to work given that it's a Monday and I do not wana hold you back..."
Maya asks inquisitive first – " wait..wait..wait..what do you mean strange? Like in a good way? Or a bad way?"
Sarah narrows her eyes – " or in a weird way??"
I chuckle as I explain – " hmm...maybe...strange in a weird good way..alright?"( I mean it's fair enough to refer to my encounter with the MaskCap dude as just that – given that I finally met someone – who understands exactly why I do this)
Maya's eyes twinkle – "alrighty...then.."
Sarah nods – " we wana all the details about this strange in a weird good way – thing..alright?"
I chuckle – "ofcourse guys ..okay you both carry on now – and I shall see you guys later at night maybe?"
They both ask in unison – " the park closes at 5 pm on the usual right? given it's the weekday?"
I nod – "yup guys – so I should leave here by 5 for sure..anyways..tata..for now...k...fill Brain and Jack over my crazy day out here uptil now for me please before I can...,"and they both grin and nod – " we will...the minute they break from work...K.."
I nod and we hang up.
And I put my phone back into my backpack and safely tuck in my airpods in it's case too and shove it in and zip it back up.I am about to head into one of my favourite water slides(that only gets my tiny miny wet and I just love to Scream on it and atleast do it a three times over.It's a short climb up – which is why it's just super safe too tuck the backpack in the locker around before the ride)
Also – I can't help but take in deep breathes of the fresh air and just smile to myself soaking in the happy ambience of a couple of family groups enjoying their – Day Outs – Here.( Totally reminds me of the time I used to come here with Mum/Grandpa/Granma as a Kid too)
Gosh.
I feel so much better. And as I begin to head my way closer to the slide and am about to step into the Fast Track Lane – I spot a familiar figure strolling from the side opposite across– right towards the Fast Track Lane off this very ride.
It's the MaskCap Dude.
We both end up pausing in our tracks as we reach the Fast Track Lane of the Ride from opposite sides and end up sharing a warm chuckle and he says – " hey...you..finally...just when I was thinking I might not bump into you again – I finally do...it would have been a bummer if I didn't..i'v been telling myself that for the last thirty minutes – because I was totally hoping for that huge chance that we might bump into one another in this middle area..."
Wait.
What?
He was Hoping to run into me again?
I ask him the same with a polite puzzled smile – " really? you were hoping to run into me again??"
He nods readjusting his cap snug over his head – " yup...I totally was.."
I ask biting back on my puzzled smile – " and why is that..??"
He shrugs casually and his eye glint with a grin – " maybe because – I was wondering how the day was going at your end? As in if you feel better...like...did you scream enough?"
I chuckle as I admit – " kind off...yes...the day is going good..and I feel a lot better..just a little bit more of the screaming will seal the deal for the day I guess...,"and I pause to ask politely – " what about you?do you feel any better??"
He nods instantly – " ohh yes – I feel as light as a feather already as if truckloads of that work anxiety has finally washed away – I mean...given that we meet at this spot – you surely know – how many rides I'v covered till now..."
I chuckle – " yup...I do..."
He chuckles – "come on then – lets head into this one – we were both heading on here... weren't we??"
I nod.
He gestures me to get into the fast track lane first and I say quickly – " just a second..I just need to tuck my backpack in – into the locker over there...k?"
He nods as I begin to walk up to the locker a little upfront – " oh yes – we might get a little wet – I think ill just tuck in my stuff in there too – is it okay – if we share the locker? But if it makes you uncomfortable – ill just tuck it all in the other one.."
I shrug casually – "well all of my stuff is in my bag so I am sure there is going to be enough space for you to keep your loose stuff around – plus I am going to punch in the code..so I know...you won't just run away with my stuff anyway..,"I finish with a playful smile.
He chuckles and says shooting me a knowing look – " I like that look of a full length playful smile – it tells me you feel a lot relaxed...for real..."
Really?
Could he read my Smile so easily?
I thought only Maya/Brain/Jack/Sarah/Mum/Grandpa/Grandma could see through me that way. Maybe – he's just one of those who is good with perception?
I nod at him with a smile – " I must say...someone's very perceptive..," as I work up the locker and shove my bag in and then gesture him to keep his stuff in and he winks playfully – " that I surely am..."
Once he is done with keeping his wallet/phone/my map in – I ask – " aren't you going to shove your Cap in? it'll fly of the slide??"
He nods leaning against the locker – " I know..which is why I shall shove it back in my pocket before I get on the slide..."
I nod – " alrightly .so I guess this is done with then...,"and I close the locker shut and he asks – " you had lunch? I had the most amazing tacos at that Mexican foodtruck you had circled within the vicinity of the Lost City..."
I nod – " yup..I had a quick bite too a little while ago...and those Tacos are really great...I second that...totally..."
He adds next – " I know right...but hey..listen...seriously...I cannot thank you enough for your help with the Map – I am having one of my those best relaxed days..and I gotta thank you again for the same..or imagine – I'd just be looking around for more help with directions otherwise – and I am pretty sure I wouldn't get much – given the sceptical look I'v had a bunch of passer's by give me over my get up every now and then...you know what I mean don't you?? its become the common norm for people too scan and judge on the cover.. "
I nod and admit sincerely – " I know..what you mean obviously..and please don't thank me again ..I am just glad I could help..."
He now politely gestures me to get into the fast track lane first and I nod and do and he follows up behind me and he says grinning – "dude..this one looks fun for sure..."
I look back at him as I say – " it is...it isn't a huge dip which is kool...plus you have your own slider – and you don't get drenched which helps in the case if you haven't carried a change..."
He chuckles – " exactly..I am totally going to do this one – three times over at the least..."
I halt in my tracks as I say placing my hands on my waist – " no way...did you just say that dude.."
He chuckles and asks folding his arms across his chest playfully – " why...is that what you mostly do? Do this three times over??"
I chuckle and admit – " yup...kind off...seriously..these small coincidences just continue to get stranger..,"and he nods and his eyes grin back at me – " I know right..and this is where we gotta high five again...,"and I chuckle and we do just that and after a second of sharing a warm chuckle - I nod at him and turn around and continue with my walk up front feeling a tad bit puzzled over – how strangely comfortable I was otherwise feeling around him at the moment. Never have I ever felt this comfortable around a stranger ever. Like – now that I trace back – I wasn't like uncomfortable during our prior encounter too. To his credit - He's totally got this warm – comfortable vibe I guess.
We reach the spot where in – we are to pick up our individual sliders and he asks – "so you wana know which of those rides I enjoyed the most till now? I mean I totally wana know which are your usual fav's too – that is – if you don't mind discussing the same...ofcourse.."
Ok.
I have never backed away from a discussion about my Favourite Rides – Ever.
I smile – " yeah...why not – lets talk about that.."
And he nods – "and if we have some in common – we must totally circle those up double on your map – after..."
I chuckle and nod.
Strange.
How Crazily Natural it was starting to feel around someone – whose face I could not see.Maybe because – his deep chocolate brown earthy eyes – kind off expressed and gave away a comfortable language of their own?
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Twenty-Five Minutes Later
Arnav's POV
OK.
Guys.
Seriously.
This day just continues to get Funner. Or Funnest would be a better superlative to use perhaps?
I mean not only I'd just had a super last couple of hours all by myself and was feeling all restored to my natural jovial self – devoid off any anxiety- the fact that I finally bumped into her again – was like a cherry on the cake- with a lot of elements of Icing added to it.
And now that she was a lot more relaxed and cheerful than she was in the morning – it was just so great to have elements of casual conversations with her all revolving her around our common love for theme parks. In the middle of riding this water slide thrice and walking upto the ride over and after - we'v literally discussed the things we loved around in this theme park and another popular theme park closer to Nottinghamshire – The Alton Towers - that we'v both been too –at some point in our lives.
We are on our way outta the ride spot and as my eye falls on an element that I love to indulge in for fun – I halt in my track for a second as I ask – " hey...wait...you have a pound coin on you?? I have one – but I need one more..."
She turns around instantly and pauses in her stride upto her locker and walks back to me my taking a pound coin from her pocket – " yeah...I do..here...take it...,"and I open my palm out to her and she places it on it with a puzzled grin and asks – " what's up??"
I chuckle as I admit gesturing towards the fun innovation of a body dryer – " I wana go in there – even though we aren't very wet – but it's fun...."
She chuckles – " really??"
I nod – " yup – see the group of teenagers in there at the moment totally seem to be enjoying themselves..."
She nods as she leans past me to look at the sight and smiles – " well yes they are...for sure...okay..go on then...ill just get the stuff from the locker in the meanwhile...,"and she starts to turn around amused which makes me shoot out my hand to hold her wrist on reflex in order to stop her as I say – " no – you aren't going anywhere yet – the absurd look on your face tells me – you haven't been in one of those – which is why you don't know how kool it actually feels...strange that it feels kool though because on the contrary it kinda just warms you up...come on...I insist you try..."
She turns around and breaks into a warm chuckle as she states casually freeing her hand from my grip beginning to walk up aside me – " alrighty...fine...let's do this..."
And I grin in accomplishment as we make our way to the Body Dryer and wait for the teenagers to step out so that we could step in!
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The minute the timer on the Drying time ends – I ask shooting her a knowing look given that she was all smiles – " see – I told you right? was fun wasn't it??"
She chuckles fondly as she looks around at the Dryer and we both hop out – "strangely enough – yes – it was...seriously MaskCap Dude – I didn't know that I'd actually dig this – for real..."
I chuckle – " and I am glad I helped you indulge in a killer element of theme park innovation.."
She nods and begins to walk up to the locker.
Oh wait. That reminds me – that amidst enjoying all the theme park chatter with her – I totally forgot to ask her name – again.(Which is crazy because at the back of my head – all these hours – I was telling myself that the first thing out I will ask her when I see her next will be her name. I think I have to blame her gorgeous happy grin for the distraction.)
I pace up to her quickly and I ask as she works up the locker – " ok..wait..this is crazy...but...and my apologies for coming to this now – but hey... what's your name?"
She hands me my stuff first and I tuck my phone/wallet back into my front pockets and her map in my backpocket and the minute she picks out her backpack and slings it up her shoulders she chuckles– " okay – since nothings been usual about our encounter today anyway – how about we do the name introductions by the end of the day – you know like in a reverse order?"
I nod grinning and we begin to back– " alrighty...no worries...we could do that..."(And a part of me is glad about her answer because I obviously want to pull my mask out in front of her – by the end of the day to just see her reaction – finally. I wonder if she will recognise me though. I mean – chances are that she might if she is into Cricket? She surely is Asian – so if she is into Cricket – she'd surely recognise the faces from our Indian Cricket Team.Wait – maybe I should just ask her the same?)
But Right then she strikes a little conversation about the next section we are both headed to – in the park – and begins to talk about a Ride she saves up for the Last every single time – and I feel myself getting distracted again – by that gorgeous grin of Her's + the pair of her mysterious deep eyes.
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Twenty More Minutes Later – Nearing to 3:58PM
Khushi's POV
Phewwwwwwwww!!
This is precisely the reason why I always save the Ride – Vortex for the Last. Because it works exactly like that last bit of the venting out – kind of managing to pull out the last shreds of heavy angsty weight of my heart – for the day(just like how you use the good old straw to drink up the last bits of a drink)
And now that I feel a lot more free- er – I can't help but pause in my tracks after collecting my backpack and pose for a happy selfie with the snapshot of the Vortex Ride in the background and share it on the group with my friends.
I am going to be Okay.
Yup.
The situation with my family is still complicated but Mum and me have been fairing well – and we will be okay doing the same – as long as we got one another and everyone in our close circle. Plus even though I am still adamant about my decision off not talking to Rob.( I am sure that I am on my way of doing much better bit by bit).
I look back at the Vortex again and take a deep breathe of Fresh Air.
Plus guys - Also – this is the only borderline from a little over medium thrill ride that I can actually muster up all my guts to sit on. Can't believe – The MaskCap Dude couldn't sit on it though given that – it was written in the warnings list – that it can lead to sudden jerks/and anyone with a vulnerable back should not sit on it.(Which is why he's just hopped onto the other medium thrill ride in the closer proximity of this one in the meanwhile) – and we just decided to wait up for the other at this one spot in the middle of both the rides – after which ever one of us finishes first.
Now that my thoughts have stirred upto him again – I kind off have to admit that I was having a lot more Fun in his company than I had ever anticipated. He was kinda cool.
Or make that – Super Cool.
Also as I walk upto the spot(where we decided to catch up after) - I do wonder on reflex - what kind of job is he into that requires him to not take any risk off a back jerk whatsoever? I mean it was clearly written all over his face when he saw the Vortex ride I was about to get on that he really just wanted to sit on it – too!
Hmm.
But to be honest – I am quite enjoying our unusually comfortable encounter where in none of us has talked about our names/our work/the usuals – etc.And now that I think off it – maybe it's this bit off it that makes this encounter comfortable? As in – you know how they say – that sometime's it's just easier to have random comfortable conversations with Strangers by striking a random common chord – without having to worry about what they will think of you otherwise because – yeah – they don't know you anyway!(in the sense of the usual stuff)
Just as I reach the spot – I see him walking up to me too and we both end up sharing a warm chuckle yet again as he asks – " well...my ride was good..but I so envy the fact that I couldn't join you in on that one – so guess what did I do??"
I am partially amused and intrigued by the ways his eyes continue to talk in transparent expressions. I don't remember the last time I'v let my eyes give me away this transparently. I say nonetheless folding up my arms across my chest – " what if I take a guess??"
He nods and folds his arms across his chest – " go on..then...lets see if you can guess.."
I grin – " maybe in your head you just pretended that you were sitting on the Vortex – even though you weren't "
He chuckles and flicks his fingers in a playful snap – " bingo that...,"and he pauses to ask – " hey wait...you missed the ride I was on – you wana go on that one? I can surely wait for you around here...or even better just do it again...."
I shake my head in a – No – as I admit looking at the time in my phone – " no..not really...ill give it a miss because its 4pm already and the park closes in an hour and there's an area I need to be in – for this last hour..."
He nods and gestures us to begin walking and says – " Alrighty...then...why don't you lead the way..?? I hope you don't mind if I tag along??"
I chuckle naturally as I admit with a shrug – " I don't mind...but I don't know how interested would you be to chill around just the kids themed area for a bit...it's just a five minute walk from here though as in we take the turn after about 200 meters into that cocooned kids/family area..."
His pauses in his tracks as his eyes dancing with puzzlement meet mine – "wait..what? you are headed to the kids/family space??"
I nod as I give a brief context without giving much away – "yup... let's say...its got something to do with my work – its like a work thing with regards to some observations/perceptions/analysis.."
He nods in an instant understanding – " I get it – no worries – lets go there and now that I think off it – I haven't chilled in around just a kids space in a theme park..since ages...,"and he adds with a mischevious wink – " or make that ever since I was a kid.."
We end up sharing a warm chuckle at that and continue walking in a comfortable silence for a couple of minutes and as we stroll into the kid's space he says next adjusting his Cap even more snug on his head – " jokes...apart...on a serious note...Its been great meeting you..for sure...,"and I nod in instant acknowledgement of the same as I say – " I think...I'd like to say ..copy that to that..."
He chuckles and raises his eyebrow – " you think??oh you mean you are sure about that..."
I chuckle – " you can presume whatever you want MaskCap Dude..,"and he nods happily and as he takes in the ambience around he admits – " okay..seriously..this place really reminds me of my time out with my family at theme parks back home – when we were kids..."
I nod as I admit – my eyes gazing around the Merry-Go-Round Carosurel/Carnival games/ Some more Kiddy Rides/ Little Family benches/Popcorn Machines/Candy Floss Stands – " yeah...I know..what you mean...reminds me off the same..."
And we continue to stroll in slowly now – I pause in my tracks – as I come face to face with a sight of a Daddy feeding his little girl some ice-cream and helping her clean up her face in the process – and all of a sudden – I feel a sudden bout of angst and longing return to grip my heart momentarily at the sight.
It is right then – he hops up from the side a little upfront of me as he asks – " hey..what's wrong? Your smiles gone?? You okay??"
I admit shrugging masking up my emotion – " yeah...I am okay...I was just adoring the sight of the Dad helping his lil girl over there...that's all...ofcourse I am okay..,"and I shoot him my casual cover up smile.
He shoots me a look – " hmmm...you clearly just did that thing again?"
I ask puzzled – " what thing??"
He explains with a matter of fact gesture with his hand – " your thing that you do. You just flipped your switch..."
I ask – " huh?? What do you mean?"
He explains – " it means and refers to the thing you do with flipping on that switch in your head to pull this curtain or a cover up over your eyes...for clearly for a second – you were not okay there...I spotted that..."
Holy Hell.
How did he even figure both of those elements out?
I shrug covering up again with an amused shrug – " what?? no I don't do any such thing as flipping the switch...really?I have no idea what you are talking about...,"and I walk over to the nearest bench and take my seat placing my backpack in my lap.
He walks over and plonks next to me and he whispers sincerely – " you know...just like it's okay to not be okay...it's also okay at times to just voice It out loud and talk about it...and sometimes to someone different than you usually do – it can help bring in a different perspective...at times...but once again...that is just my humble opinion..what would your's be on the same?"
And I turn to look at him and our eyes lock and maybe it was the ounces of sincerity reflecting from his eyes + the fact that he was a total stranger( a warm/friendly one - Whom I might not ever see again) – that made me feel like – maybe – its wouldn't harm to test the theory he was pointing towards for the very first time and I admit looking away from his deep gaze fidgeting with my backpack nervously – "I don't know...as in I don't have an opinion on the same because well – iv never talked to a stranger about what could be hurting me within – like ever...so yeah.."
He answers in a comfortable, supportive sincere tone – " why don't you try? I mean you won't ever know how the theory works until you actually test it??"
Yup.
Well.
He is right about that.
I won't ever know – if I don't test it. Maybe it wouldn't harm if I just talk about little bits ambiguously (like parts of the bit that were bits of the truth I lived with until I was 18)– for starters?.He has no idea who I am anyway. He doesn't even know my name. What could he presume/assume/judge?
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Arnav's POV
I am praying to all of my Cricketing Gods above at once that she does not get up and walk away right now.
I suggested what I did – only because – I wanted to see her smile. I was kind of bummed when I spotted that sudden cloud of angst take over her eyes for a nanosecond – again – especially when she's probably worked on her mind – all day to come to terms with that.
I look at her face.She's keenly and silently perceiving my stance and body language in the spot next to her silently.(She's been strangely silent for the last two minutes. But silence is better than her walking away for sure)
I say now – " hey...look...I'm sorry..if...,"and words stay put in my mouth as I see her turn her face to look in the direction of the same Dad lovingly heading towards the Merry -go Round with his daughter and she whispers softly – " I just kinda wish at times – that I knew my Dad....and the fact..that I will never get to know him hurts obviously...I don't talk about it as often to my Mum as I should maybe – because I fear hurting her in the process – for she's been both my parents to me ever since I was born.Dad passed before I was born so I just never knew him. Sometimes I feel kinda ashamed of myself for feeling this way though as in – you know when I have thoughts like I wana ask Mum about him to just even know him through her ...like these thoughts off longing to know a parent whose never been a part of my life. I feel so selfish and ashamed at times of the same in the sense that sometimes I just feel like even having this thought is like so disrespectful to my Mum!! You tell me....is it? I mean do you think it's disrespectful towards her?,"she asks continuing to look upfront.
Oh Shit. That's surely a deep emotional vulnerable wound. My heart goes out to her. Given the way I am so close to both my parents – I can't even imagine not having either of them in my life.Plus something in my gut tells me observing the change in the vibe in her relaxed body language that she is totally fighting back her vulnerable ache.
I answer sincerely my hand going to cover up hers fidgeting with her backpack strings in sincere support – " no...not at all...it's not disrespectful towards her in any sense...alright? don't you feel ashamed of feeling something as natural a longing as this...please..."
She asks continuing to look upfront – " do you think it's natural for real? As in to just feel this longing to know a parent – who was technically never a part of your life and never will be..."
I clutch her hand back in support – " ofcourse...its totally natural...infact it would be un-natural if you wouldn't feel it...its blood – a biological gentic call ,"and I pause as I add – " also...I am so so sorry for your loss...I can't even begin to imagine your emotional pain over the same..but hey...one thing I am sure off – your Dad's surely watching over you from up there – and he'd be proud of his lil girl...indeed..."
It's good that she hasn't pulled her hand away – yet. She's subtly soaking in the support I want to offer.
She finally looks at me for a second directly and our eyes lock and I do spot her eyes mirror a lot of vulnerability for just a nanosecond before she covers it up and looks away again and asks sincerely – " really? you think so? That he'd be proud?"
I nod – " ofcourse...he'd be proud – his lil girl is so cool plus not to forget so very kind and helpful too – she helped a freaky MaskCap dude with his way around today...remember?"
I am so glad she chuckles at that and she looks at me for a second and shrugs amused – " very funny of you to remind me of that..."
I smile – " well...you did chuckle...so mission accomplished.."
She says next looking upfront again – " I don't wana ask Mum about him much – because I feel like I don't wana open up her emotional wounds with regards to Dad. It's been tuff on her emotionally – for sure...you know what I mean??"
I nod as I say – " yup...I do...you kinda feel like you are caught up in this constant delima/vicious circle of wanting to know your Dad through her and fear hurting her/opening her wounds in the process..which is why you probably just keep it all bottled in mostly and just use different ways of venting out the frustration that's natural to come around within because of the same – without weighing anyone else down in the process??and probably this trip out to the theme park here every now and then and screaming your lungs out – is a coping mechanism for that???"
She nods taking a deep breathe – " exactly...that's exactly what this trip today is about...plus...today...,"and she pauses and I ask comfortingly clutching on her hand again – " plus....today..what? was there anything else that you were venting out today??"
She nods and sighs but does not look my way and continues to stare at the Merry-Go Round.
PLUS she does not pull her hand away yet(I am so glad about that) and she says - " yup...I was venting out something more today....which is...,"and she pauses again.
I say sincerely – " it's okay if you don't wana let anything more out – alright? just know that – sometimes it takes time to come around things – that's all...all you need is time...give yourself that..."
She sighs and says – "maybe yes.....you are right...time is what I need...so the other thing...I was venting out today was the leftover hurt...over being dumped...so...I was seeing someone steadily exclusively for a year – until about two months ago – and there was some stuff at on my end that he did not wana kind off deal with – so yeah –it was like when I talked to him about it in the first place..the very next minute – he voiced that he wanted to break up – that it was too much/too taxing too handle for him....I walked away graciously ofcourse...but its going to take some time to bury the hatchet in the head right?? I do wana get past the grudge because I do not wana feel bitter – but then again – it's a process ..right?"
Oh Boy.
Here We GO.
We have another thing in common. We'v both been dumped in similar ways. Roohi didn't wana deal with the Long Distance angle on my end.
Maybe the knowledge of the same is going to help her feel better.
I admit sincerely – " totally...it's a process indeed....look... I get you...as strange as this is going to sound...hear me out.... it took me about six months to bury the hatchet/hurt in my head over my ex dumping me in the ways she did – because after dating exclusively for one year too – she kind of just didn't wana do the long distance angle on my end anymore making me feel like she was never probably emotionally invested enough. I am in a job that requires me to travel quite a bit – so yeah – once again – I totally understand what you feel with regards to that too – just give yourself that time – and you will surely come to terms with this – too...eventually...just don't be too hard on yourself in the process...that's all...."
She looks at me instantly finally and her eyes widen to the size of cups and saucers – " no way...what are you saying? Is this for real?? As in this coincidence in between of us too??"
I nod sincerely – " it is – for sure.."
She asks – " when was this??"
I answer honestly – " it's been a while longer than you's for sure – its been two years to my break up..nonetheless I am just glad this happened before I was into her deeper...emotionally..because then it would have taken me longer time to come to terms with...otherwise..."
She asks – " ahaannn....and have you dated anyone after? And with this bit happening – didn't it make you feel like – you just never wana date again...??"
I admit sincerely – " not really actually... I just have been so busy with my job after...that's all...but I know where you are coming from and once again – please note – it's natural for you to feel this way for an initial bit after all its only been two months – but you will begin to feel better soon..mark my words on that...."
She nods and shoots me a polite friendly smile – "thank you for that....really...as in thank you for listening and being so supportive – maybe – there's something in that theory you were suggesting prior...it's the first time I'v tried it and the experience hasn't been bad..."
I chuckle as I say – " see...I told you....plus I shall totally take your hasn't been a bad experience bit – as a compliment...,"and because I now want to make her grin effortlessly – I add standing up tugging on her hand and making her stand up too – " come on then – let's actually get on that Merry go-round you'v been eyeing before the park closes – it will be fun...I haven't been on one since..."
And we both end up saying in unison – " I was a kid...,"and to my delight she does chuckle and seems to be a lot more relaxed as she nods – " alrighty...lets do it then...but I am shotgunning that horse...the white one..."
I wink at her playfully – " alrighty...than I shall shotgun the one right next to you.."
She nods and we get on with doing Just That.
.....................................
Ten Minutes Later
Arnav's POV Continues
The minute we walk back to the spot right in front of the Merry Go- Round after discussing a couple of our happy childhood memories on the same in the middle of the ride – she takes a fresh deep breathe and shoots me a happy look with that gorgeous grin that shines over – " okay...seriously...I didn't think it was going to be as Fun as it used to be when I was little..for sure..."
I chuckle and nod – " and I am so glad your grin is reaching your ears right now as you say that.."
She says sincerely – " no seriously....thank you..for.....,"and I gesture her to pause as I wink at her playfully – " oh no – don't please...not again..."
She nods – " alrighty...,"and all of a sudden I see her eyes narrow as if she were contemplating something while looking up at something behind me and she says dashing past me and turning around in her steps backwards gesturing me to come on up – " now that we did just indulge into the merry go around – I think I wana surely get my hands on some Candy Floss for I used to have it all the time as a kid – come on then – the vendors surely going to shut soon since it's almost 4:45 PM..."
Candy Floss.
Something – I have never ever Tasted. Didn't ever feel like. Never seemed inviting enough to my taste buds. She clearly enjoys it given that she paced up to the station the way she did.
I stride up to join her in nonetheless as we walk up to the Candy Floss Station.
Once she is done placing an order for herself she looks at me and asks – " will you have one too??"
I admit honestly – " don't know how that tastes actually – I'v never really had a Candy Floss. My siblings used to love having it as kids – but I just never felt like it..."
Her eyes widen with mirth at that – " no way....are you for real? Are you saying that you'v never had a Candy Freaking Floss?? Like never? Like never..ever?? in all of your life till now???"
I chuckle as I nod – " yes...that's exactly what I am saying – I haven't ever had a Candy Freaking Floss in the last 25 years plus years of my Life..."
She asks scrunching her nose up in way that's way too adorable to be confined to usual gestures of inquisitiveness – " okay...and...is that going to change today? As in will you give it a taste at the least? C'mon – I tried a different theory for myself today which actually didn't turn out to be bad – so its only fair that you try something new today – too – even if its just a good old candy floss..."
I chuckle as I nod. I don't know why – but it totally felt like I just couldn't say No – to that Look on her face. – " okay...okay...you have me convinced...I will give it a shot..."(And spend some extra time running on the treadmill – later on – in order to expend out the Carbs – I add to myself silently)
She grins and give me a playful wink and I begin to get out my wallet to order one for myself and she gestures me to stop as she says – " my treat..k??"
I nod and hold back and let her order one for me too. And once we both are handed a – Candy Floss – each- in our hands and she is about to dig in I ask – " okay...so..this is where..you gotta tell me your name..first.."
Her eyes lock with mine as they cloud in puzzlement as she digs in her Candy Floss - savoring the moment. - " really? why is that? I thought we were saving that for the last?theres still fifteen minutes until the park closes...."
I nod as I admit – " yup....we were – but if I am going to have to taste this Candy Floss - I need to pull off my mask of my face to eat..."
Her eyebrows twitch in a puzzled frown – " okayyy...so...??"
(So – all this while – I'v just had my Mask+ Cap On infront of her given that I ate my meal prior to meeting her and coincidentally have been sipping on my water when we were on different rides just now.Also the only time my Cap was Off my head was when I was on the water slide ride – going up behind her.So she didn't actually spot my mask tucked a little down too.So basically she still has no idea – who I am.)
She chips in next in continued shades of sheer puzzlement and then as if a realisation dawns on her she asks – " oh wait....do you want me to turn around?? As in – and not see your face?? I could do that – no worries...,"and as she begins to turn around – I hold her by the arm and stop her in the process and make her turn to look at me as I admit – " no – no – please...if anything – that's all I'v been wanting to do for a bit now.."
She asks taking another bite off her Candy Floss in the middle of all her puzzlement – " you mean take off your mask so that I can see your face? Or not take off your face mask- so that I can't?
I answer immediately – " the former obviously...what I mean is – the minute I take off my mask – there are chances you might already figure out what my name is...which is why I just wana know your name prior...."
Her eyes widen at that as she asks munching subtly – " Wait..what? are you saying that you know me already? Which is how I may know you? As in... have we met before?? No...that's surely not possible..."
I explain – " no..I don't know you and this is the first time we'v met but...what I mean is – that chances are that you may already know me...and that's not because we'v met before.."
She shoots me are you – ridiculous look taking a bite of her Candy Floss again – "huh????what do you mean??"
Never Mind.
Looks like I gotta take my Mask Off to get my Point Across first. I immediately take off my cap for a second and brush my hand through my hair and then tuck out the string off my mask from both my ears pulling it off my face completely as I say with a happy grin – " I mean – if you follow cricket as a sport and do keep a tap on updates on Indian Cricket – there are huge chances that you'd already know my name...which is Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada and professionally I am a cricketer. I play for India and I am here in your country because our tour of England begins soon.....," I finish happily digging in a bite of the Candy Floss.
And the second – I say that out loud and see her take in the sight off me – my grin dies and before I could even tell her what I think of the taste of the Floss I just stopped chewing on all that Candy Floss - I had taken in momentarily anyway. Why? Because – I see her pale in her face as if she had just seen a ghost as she freezes in her spot with her eyes popped up in sheer shock with her hand clutching on her Candy Floss Stick tight before her eyes and face pull up a complete blank curtain up on it as she begins to step backwards away from me and whispers in a pale nervous tremor – " I am s...or..ry...I ne...ed to go...I..just...need...to go...,"and before I can even comprehend what's just happened – she turns around and runs away at the speed as if her legs had suddenly gotten equipped with some Hi-Tech Roller SkateBoard.(Like the one the Gaming Mascot dawns and uses in the popular game – Subway Surfers?)
Wait.
What?
What the hell just happened????
Did she really just Run Away from me – like that? As if – she had really encountered a Scary Ghost?
Why?
Why would she do that?
A couple of seconds later – as it finally hits me – that she's really gone – I run after her obviously tucking my cap and Mask back on in place – but to my disappointed dismay – I cannot spot her in the middle of the sudden crowd that's started to flood around heading towards the Exit at the same time - as the park's about to close.
I continue to Run upto the Exit -nonetheless. But as fast I was on my feet nearing the exit of the Park- I'v totally lost the sight of her in my line of vision and all I can do for a second as I reach the Exit gate is just pause in my tracks feeling all dazed and weird because I realise that now that I'v lost her in the crowd – there's no way I can trace her in all of London - for I don't even know her name/nor do I know what does she do/where does she live – etc.
Also - I can't believe she did that after spending the time we did in the last 90 minutes especially.
Ugh.
I hate this.
I don't even know her NAME. Maybe - I just gotta to refer to her as Miss.SkateBoard in my head given that she skated her way away from me at a supersonic speed.
Infact as crazy as it sounds – the only proof that I have now of even meeting Miss.SkateBoard – is the Piece of her Map of the park tucked in my backpocket + this stick of Candy Floss she'd bought me still clutched in my hand.
I fight back my sigh as I head to the Cab Stand and just dig into the Candy Floss for a second bite – nonetheless - silently Hoping for a Chance encounter with her again.
Why?
Because I need my answers. I need to know why would she just run away like that? And maybe also tell her that – as strangely perplexed I am by her behaviour in the end – I gotta admit that she was right about this last bit – nonetheless.
What bit?
That the taste of this Candy Floss in my hand – wasn't really – that Bad!
.....................................................
TADAAAAAA!!
How was That Guys??
I mean we all know – why Khushi ran away the way she did. Only Arnav doesn't.Haha...(winks) Are they going to have a chance encounter again – ofcourse YES!!(Winks) Stay tuned in for the same in the Next Update.
Next Update (will come on Thursday/Friday night) : Take 3 - Doodle.
Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks Guys for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!
Much Love
Always
❤
Prachi
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