CHAPTER 13 – THE UPPERCUT 2.0
Same Day – 530 PM
Khushi's POV
It finished putting on my maroon lip stain and looked at my reflection in the mirror and I was kind off surprised by my very own look – because I hadn't dressed up in forever, that was because of my hectic and busy lifestyle in between of my jobs , I didn't have much time to party anymore.
Ocassionaly,I did really enjoy dressing up a little every now and then.
When mom was alive, she'd fuss over getting me ready before a house party with friends etc or for a date night with Armaan.(when we were dating in the past).
And I used to love that time with her.
I missed her.
I wipe the tear that was threatening to fall my eye now and I smile at my reflection ; mom was probably grinning up there at seeing me finally dress up for a little party time after ages.
Honestly, this was like the first party I was attending after their passing.
And I probably would have given it a pass if it hadn't been a celebration for Diya's birthday.
Diya was important to me and I wanted to be there for her on her happy occasion.
I walked over to the little study room ,and opened the suitcase with moms stuff in it and I picked out her favourite bracelet and crystal studs and put it on and I look at my reflection in the mirror and I smile on reflex.
I had chosen to wear this maroon colour off shoulder crop top which had a sweetheart neckline cinched in the front and worn my high waist black jeggings to compliment the same but because it was a crop top, a little bit of my midriff was visible in between the gap from my top and my high waisted jeggings.
Id worn this combination because this was the last outfit mom had helped me pick up, with the thought of me having to wear it that upcoming get together at university, last year.
That was also the last I had shopped for myself actually.
I stepped into the maroon colour stiletoes mom had picked up for me to go with this, and I take a deep breathe and close my eyes and I remember Mom's excited expression when id tried out this combination in the shop in front of her.
She had been super excited about how well the whole look complimented me.
For You - Mom
I hoped she was watching over me and was happy that id finally gotten around to wearing this.
I enjoyed wearing make up too once in a while, I did use a bb cream for myself on a daily basis with just some nude colour gloss or matt lip stain, but I did indulge in going a little bit more heavy with my cover today, keeping in mind the make up look mom had talked to me about on the way back home after shopping.
For you – Mom.
Shed also said that if I tied my hair up into a high pounytail – it would really accentuate the whole look, and I picked up hair into it and I was kind off confused whether I should go ahead with this or not because anyway this top was off shoulder and with a sweetheart neckline, I felt like tying my hair up would bring too much attention to my neckline and shoulderblades.
Maybe that's why Mom suggested this because she never let go off any occasion to dress me up to remind me that even though deep within I felt like a tomboy, with a little bit of effort into dressing up – I definetly didn't look like one , and was delicate and graceful and feminine.
It used to irritate me sometimes back then and I used to tell her all the time to just let me be and just walk into parties and dates in my jeans and tshirts.
But she would request so adorably to let her dress me up atleast occasionaly and id give in.
Ironical – how Life turns around.
Here I was dressing up in the combination mom had chosen for me, wearing the same make up look shed advised, tied my hair up the way shed talked she would help me do and it was the same me, but she wasn't here.
She was gone to a place never to return.
I feel a tear well up in my eyes again and I frantically bat both my hands in front of my eyes because I do not want to get that masacara running.
I smile at myself again and I pick up my clutch and adjust a couple of my strands from my hair on the sides of my ears to fall carelessly and I make my way out.
I was actually kind off late.
Well, technically the party was not going to begin until later, but everyone had already gotten together at Rahuls for the match.
I think he had arranged some projection screening in the backyard.
He was crazy no when it came to cricket.
And India was playing Sri Lanka in that 3rd odi crucial game.
Diya's bday party would only begin once the match was over.
It was scheduled to finish by 11pm IST which was our time 730PM.
I get into the Uber, which today I was using as just my ride to Rahul's and my thoughts finally drift to Hoodie Guy.
I hoped he was enjoying himself out there.
I had no clue what was going on in the match, uptil now.
But I knew id hear about it the minute I stepped into Rahul's.
I wasn't going to watch the game though, I just couldn't get around to that yet.
But I would hear.
I smile to myself as I start driving.
But from where should I even begin talking about this 'thing' in between of Arnav and Me.
I felt good.
He made me feel really good.
I looked forward to just being connected with him all the freaking time.
And I think im starting to fall for him fatser than I had anticipated.
Technically, it was almost a month now to us knowing each other – I mean It would be tonight.
But it didn't feel just like that at all.
It totally feels like I have known him for a long long time.
How is possible to feel this instant pull towards someone whom youv only known for technically just a month and also specially when that someone – lived and belonged in another world from mine.
How was it possible for me to start falling for him in the ways I was starting too – despite all these differences my mind keeps warning me about here and there in between?
But it was happening nonetheless.
I shouldn't probably do this to myself, my mind tells me, but then I cant help but ask it to shut up when it beings up that thought in my head, because of what I was feeling within.
All these ferris wheels, Columbus rides, and roller coaster plunges and spins were not starting to feel really really good.
They'd seemed a little alien and strange at the start, because id never felt anything like this magnitude ever.(Not even in my two month dating adventure with Armaan.)
And here just in one month of this 'thing' going on in between of us, I was already now kind of accustomed to this theme park rides operating in the pit of my stomach everyday.
Everytime we texted, or called or video called, the theme park in my stomach would start its operation irrespective of the time and place I was in.
Was I getting myself into too much trouble??
I don't know.
All I knew that it felt good.
It felt so good.
So maybe this feel good factor is what I should keep enjoying until the rides lasted.
Because I was sure I was just blessed with a temporary time limited ticket into this theme park experience that Arnav was making me feel
Because sooner or later – hed realise that I was just Khushi from the other side off his life and world and so until then I just had to make the most of the time I had in here.
I would face the consequences later as and when they came.
..............
7.00 PM
I stepped into the kitchen as I asked Raima aunty (rahul's mom) if she needed any help with the arrangements for dinner.
Aunty grinned – " no khushi beta..its all done...anyway I don't think these boys are going to have any appetitie left after all these snacks and popcorn and drinks theyv been having.."
I nod – " you are right about that aunty..",and I asked on reflex – "diya's cake ready??"
Raima aunty smiled– " yes it is...baked it myself but we will only get around it after that game is over..look at those boys they cant get their heads out of that screen..",and then she scowls – " I just don't understand the craziness though..i mean its just a game right, I keep teliing that to your uncle and Rahul..look at how much he troubles diya because of his love for the game.."
Right then diya walks into the kitchen and she kisses raima aunty on the cheek – " thanks Maa, but to be honest its not a trouble anymore, because I got a perfect eye candy to crush over these days.."
I bite back my smile as I opened the fridge to pick out a beer and I heard Raima aunty ask – "really??"
I used the opener to open the beer and I leaned against the fridge and sipped the Budweiser and I heard Diya say dreamily – " ASR Raima maa..he is so so handsome.."
Raima aunty nodded – " oh yes that boy is really handsome..",and she paused as she asked with a wink – " and does Rahul know that his fiancée is now crushing on his favourite cricketing player..?"
I continued sipping my beer, enjoying their conversation.
Diya winked back at aunty and then at me too – " yes but I think he loves cricket more than he loves me..so he has no problems..hes just happy that im now accompanying him in watching..."
I chuckled at that.
And right then Armaan enters the kitchen,and I turn around instanty, pretending to get something from the fridge because I was kind off avoiding talking to him ever since id come, and id also caught him looking at me a couple of times in between as I sat in the patio in the backyard with my back to the project screen.
Diya eyes aunty and they both walk out the kitchen leaving me all alone in there and I decide to make my way out too and I close the fridge and just as I do I see armaan standing right there and I ask – " do you need something??"
He smiles – " yes, a beer.."
I smile at him and I ask – "corona or budweiser?"
He smiled as he leaned against the kitchen counter – " I still prefer a corona.."
I take out one for him and hand it to him and he speaks looking at me – "and I also wanted to tell you that you look absolutely gorgeous tonight khushi.."
Ok.So now I was embarrassed.
How do I react to that?
I think he caught onto that because he spoke immediately – " hey..i don't mean to embarrass you or something..just take that as a compliment from an old friend.."
I give him a polite smile – " thank you..."
And right then we hear a lot of disappointed screams from the out and Armaan walks to the door of the kitchen and he exclaims in disappointment – " oh no..we just lost two wickets in the 48th over..goddamit.."
And he paused as he looked at me and I spoke – "cmon go on..go watch it.."
Armaan smiled – "atleast come to the patio and sit like you were sitting with your back to the screen...if that's ok?"
I nod, and I follow him out and I sit myself on the patio bench with my back to the screen, but I can hear it all clearly.
So The Match.
That was happening in between of India and Sri Lanka in India.
So from all that I heard ever since I stepped in here,apparently,Sri Lanka had won the toss and chosen to bat first and put up a high total of 305 for India to chase.
And India pretty much had it all in control until I had walked into the kitchen because they were like around 265 at 45 overs and with just 5 out – Cap had just gotten out but hoodie guy was still batting.
And I hear Rahul's panicked voice now which was way too loud – " what the hell..another catch out..whts wrong with them..that shot just didn't carry through Ravi's bat..."
I hear Armaan's panicked voice – " 279 – 8 and we need 26 runs to win with just 7 balls to go with only twi wickets remaining...god we had this game.."
Rahul's panicked voice – "and we have the bowlers coming in, but ASR I still there..we still have hope guys as long as he is there.."
I hear Uncles worried voice now – " ok calm down all you boys...you make so much noiseeee ..just keep quiet everyone..hushhh and nobody gets up from their spot if you want india to win.."
I hear Rahul say – "dad..really??"
Uncles voice – " really Rahul..its a stupid superstition of mine but it always worked.."
Rahul – " yeah dad as if..india is going to win just because you want us all to si tin pin drop silence in the..",and he pasued and I could hear him groan – " there..a dot ball..now 26 bloody runs in 6 balls..impossible..look at sri lanka already celebrating their victory.."
Uncles voice came in louder – " boys trust me..calm down..pin drop silence increase the volume of the commentary..and just focus with your hands folded and we will win..ASR that boy is still there no..you never know in cricket Rahul, its never over until the last ball...and hes had such a good game..look at him batting since three hours twenty minutes..anchoring the innings for the team..."
I smile to myself as I hear that, flipping through a magazine.
I was the only one sitting on the bench now with my back to the projector
Everyone else had crowded around the screen.
I now hear Diya speak – " ok guys ASR is now on the crease..lets do what Dad says..its my bday guys..cmon...get to your seats and quite..."
Finally there was a husshhh and the volume was increased as I now hear the commentators voice fill in through the back – "Look at that in the middle of the pitch,as ASR asks for a change of the bat, and hes waiting for it to be brought to him and whilst he waits he has a little chat up with his team mate on the other side probably telling him that he would be keeping the strike, because he knows he can pull this off his bat..hes at 90 himself, batted slow and steadily through out the innings keeping his wicket in place, and anchoring the Indian innings.."
Another commentators voice fills in in my ears – " yes but 26 runs in the last 6..is difficult.."
The first commentator - " yes, but not impossible..remember that can be 6 sixes too..who can forget Yuvraj's Singhs epic six sixes in a row in that match against England..it could happen a decade ago..it can happen again today.."
The commentator chuckles– " oh yes..and if this man pulls it off..he will be worshipped tonight..they might as well open a cricket temple in his name.....hes a fan favourite anyway.."
The other commentator chuckles – " yes indeed..and look in comes his bat and look at that..some words are being exchanged in there by the man whose given him his bat..is that a special message being passed on to ASR from the Indian Captain and Coach from the dugouts..could be because they know he can do it..we know he can do it..but will he do it for his team today..is the question...",and he pauses – " hold your breathe ladies and gentleman , ASR puts on his helmet again and rotates his bat in his hand and takes position, and here comes the first ball of the last over.."
OK.So now I stop fliiping through the magazine and focus looking at the page in front of me with my eyes whilst my ears were focused on that commentary.
The commentator – " oh...that was an excellent delivery, ASR couldn't time his shot, but he could have taken one run but he doesn't,as he gestures the batsmen to stay on the other side of the crease..he knows hes got more chances of winning this if he continues being on strike, a risk hes got to take..because that's a dot ball now, and india has to get 26 runs in just 5 balls..look at the sri lankan captain he is happy with that dot, he has sent in his best bowler for the last over but not to forget ASR has a lot of game experience with this bowler.."
The other commentator – " yes you are right about that..they play for the Mumbai team together in the IPL..lets see if ASR is going to read and anticipate the next shot.."
Ok.So suddenly I literally hear not even a hush in my surroudnings everyone is literally pin drop silence.
The commentator – " here comes the second ball...",and the tone of his voice raises as he exclaims – " and that has been hit away in a gorgeous Uppercut by ASR staright into the air right into the stands for a six....the crowd at Wankhede has just come back to life with that shot off his bat",and I hear the crowd erupt in cheers in my surroundings too.
I hear Uncles urgent voice – " ohoooo you boys..again making so much noise..see I told you pin drop silence and we will win...quiet everyone now..."
I chuckled.
But everyone hushed.
Pin drop silence again.
The commanetators voice rings through , excitement evident in his voice– " and look at that ..is that a six????????????????????????? Yesssssssssssssss it isssssssss...........ASR smashes the ball into the air again into the stands across the boundary line in his Cap's signature helicopter shot....thats 12 out of 26 for India..and ASR gets to 102 with that..but he hasn't paused to celebrate the moment..he knows theres a bigger aim to focus on right now..India need two more sixes and a double"
Before the crows erupts around me again Uncles voice comes in – "last three balls everyone, please....no noise at all..."
No one literally makes a noise.
Another commentator – " or maybe three sixes..you never know..look at the excited faces of the Indian team in the dug outs they know he can do it.."
"Here comes another ball....",and theres a pause as I hear the voice again – "and yes ladies and gentleman flung into the air again in a beautiful shot for a...six....ASR has sent Wankhede roaringgg, for that's 18 now..but India still need 8 runs to win, 7 for the draw..."
"hold your breathe ladies and gentleman...this shot has to be a six again if India's favourite hero on the crease has to ease that pressure on himself on the last ball..."
"here it goes..."
And I close my eyes automatically in anticipation.
I couldn't look at the magazine page anylonger.
And I hear – " ohhhhhhhhhhhhh yessssssssssss....thats the most beautiful uppercut shot iv seen in a while...even better than the one he just hit a few balls ago...flung straight into the stands for a six....look at at that...the crowds gone beserk..literally beserk..and the Indian team in the dug out is on their feet and clapping for that brilliant batsmen who is making impossible possible tonight...look at the exhilaration on their faces...india now just 2 runs away from a win and one run for a draw..the bowler is devastated..he cant believe his perfect delivery was smashed into the stands by his Mumbai team mate..what a beauty..what a beautiful uppercut that was..."
Uncles voice roars in – "ok dare anyone get up from their seat now or make a noise..see im telling you all it wasn't a supersitition.."
I cant help but chuckle.
The commentators voice comes in – "and the last ball comes in ladies and gentleman...",and there was a pause, "...and the last ball is smashed away through the fielder into the boundary cover in an amazing pull shot by the man of the hour for a Four...and india wins it..and wins it in swag and styleeee....the crowds gone beserk and so have we in the commentator box...what a victory...look at the way the team has run and proppled over ASR..he didn't even remove his helmet yet in celebration..."
And finally the crowd in my surroundings erupts into cheers and victory and I finally turn around to see them all gone beserk and hugging each other and I cant help but smile as I see Armaan and Rahul jumping with the rets of his friends in a group jumping jacks style circle.
God these guys were crazy.
Right then Diya comes up to me as she says – "the match is over, please don't be here by yourself na khushi..even maa joined us in for the last over..",and she paused as she held my hands – "will you be ok to watch the victory celebrations atleast??"
I took a deep breathe and close my eyes.
And I wait for my heart to tell me what to do.
It tells me to go with the flow.
And I nod at Diya and she hugs me and she then pulls me by the hand and takes me to the front of the crowd and my eyes finally fall on the screen and I take in the sight on TV, and I cant help but smile as I realise that hoodie guy was still trampled over by his team-mates.
And everyone around me was still celebrating.
And I realise that im about to see Hoodie guy on the TV for the first time after getting to know him.
And right then the rest of the Indian team finally get away and I see him get up on his feet,and he finally takes off his helmet, and holds his bat high towards the crowds as I hear the commentator voice – "there it is, a salute to the amazing crowd by the man of the hour, for that 118 runs not out,and specially the last over...what a thrill..what a match..ladies and gentleman.."
And I feel my insides freeze.
That sight of him on TV was amazing.
And it was also overwhelming at the same time.
Because it reminded me that – that the hoodie guy I was starting to fall for in the ways I hadn't ever fallen for anyone - was also the man on the screen who belonged into a totally different world from mine.
The sight in front off me was a total reminder of that reality in my face - all over again.
I cant take my eyes off the screen or off him as I see that exhilirating emotion on his face from the victory as he pulls the Captain into a hug and then they all make their way back by shaking hands with the Sri Lankan team.
I sit down in the cane chair and pick up a glass of water to sip on it , right as everyone around me celebrated, oblivious to the turmoil within me.
Right then I hear Rahul say – " ok...so he is totally getting the man of the match..this man is my hero.."
Uncle cant stop dancing and hugging aunty as he sang – " I told you..pin drop silence always works..."
Diya grinned – " hes mine too..",and Rahul just laced his hand across Diyas shoulder and smacked her lips and then Diya spoke – " ok..ok..guys..shhhhhh....the reporters just called him for the interview...shhhh..........."
And I see the crowd literally sing his name in a rhythm – " ASR...ASR...ASR...",as they wait for him to speak.
And I continue to sip my water but my eyes are on the screen.
I cant look away.
Im shaken in a very weird way.
God what are you thinking Khushi?
You gotta put a stop on that theme park in your stomach, before its too late.
And right then I see him smile sheepishly on the screen looking at the reporter as she stands in front of him grinning and the crowd keeps rhyming his name.
So that smile of his that I just saw, managed to melt all my worry away in a second.
And I realise – that maybe theres no point in trying to put a full stop on that theme park in the pit of my stomach.
Its probably too late already.
The reporter finally asks – " how does that feel ASR..can you hear that?? how does that feel.."
I see him grin as he says taking a deep breathe – "yes I hear that..its exhilarating ofcourse...its wonderful..the crowd here in Wankhede has always been amazing..."
The reporter – "and very well deserved indeed, you are their hero today..that was a brilliant innings of cricket played by you..you anchored through it..you took some aggressive shots in between to keep your rhythm going and what can we say about that thrilling last over....i was on the edge of my seats as well..we all were..."
He keeps his hands on his waist as he grins – " thank you..its exhilarating for me to realise that I actually pulled that off..i still have goosebumps actually..",and he chuckeled.
And my stomach fluttered.
Id heard that chuckle so many times.
It was the same.
The reporter – "and because im curious and im sure we all are, I want to know ..was that a little message passed onto you by your Captain and coach as you exchanged your bat right before the last over began??and incase yes..what was it??"
He chuckled and he spoke into the mike – " yes that was what it was, but id like to call Cap on near me for that..",and he gestured the same towards his team and the crowd went beserk and the team pushed Cap forward and he now went and stood next to him and he grinned as he spoke – "hes my cap...iv always played under him..my first international game was under him, and hes always backed me up..."
The reporter now asked the Cap – "so what was the message that you passed on to your man Cap?"
Cap grinned – " so we were talking this morning, and I was telling him to get his shots ready for the game..but you know since we were chasing it had to be a different strategy..i needed him to anchor the game and he did it perfectly..and then right in the end I just asked the person to tell him one word,and I knew hed get it..that we want him to take this risk on aggressively.."
The reporter – "And what word was that??"
Cap grinned as he gestured Arnav to speak into the mike together with him and they both spoke together – " Uppercut..."
The crowd went beserk cheering and so did the crowd go cheering around me and I couldn't help but smile to myself as i finished gulping that glass of water,and I wanted to use the washroom now so I was about to excuse myself,and I stood up.
Right when I heard the reporter ask – "so ASR, out of curiosity, which game will make it closer to your heart, the thrilling t20 one from Cape town in which you took those amazing four wickets?? Or this one with those beautiful four sixes and the pull shot in the last over..??"
I didn't walk away yet and I see him take a deep breathe and he looked straight as he spoke, his face filling in the screen because of the camera mans focus – "well, as sportsmen all matches are special for us, and this one is very very special too..but to be honest..the experience in Cape Town this year was beyond amazing, it totally made its way closer to my heart.."
Did he just say that loud ?? to the reporter on the TV???????????????
The crowd around me erupted.
And I feel like iv been dropped from the highest vertical drop ride of the theme parks,straight to the ground floor in one second.
That's how bad my stomach just fluttered.
And Rahul jumps – " that's our city he loves guys..."
Ok khushi.
And I remind myself that -Hes talking about his experience of cricket in Cape town this year.
Hes talking about cricket.
I shake my head at my stupidity, I cant believe for a second I thought his words had another meaning in here.
Stupid Khushi.
I shrug and make my way to use the washroom.
It was about to be time for Diya's cake cutting.
.............................
Midnight - Mumbai INDIA
Arnav's POV
I cant help grin as I watch the boys go beserk in the dressing room , now thankful that they had finally placed me down on the ground from the shoulders.I pick out my phone from the locker and switch it on, and right then it Buzzes immediately.
It was Mom and Dad.
I quickly take the call and talk to them.
Dad cant control his excitement as I hear his voice ring in – "I was just telling your mother that my boy here is going to break all records..what a bloody last over was that my son.."
Mom – " I literally had a heart attack...like literally..."
I now hear Anjali's voice – "and I had to fan mom with my file...she was sweating in nervousness..",and I heard Dad and Anjali chuckle as they spoke – "and that was also because she hadn't moved from her seat for 3 and a half hours..you should see the speed at which she ran to the washroom after your interview bhai...",and I hear them all laugh and I cant help but laugh myself.
I hear Mom say – " im so proud of you my son..so proud of you..and so happy for you...you looked so happy..."
And before I could say anything.
I heard Dad's voice say proudly – "ofcourse he will be happy..the love for the game is in his blood now isn't there.."
I chuckle – " ok guys..you gotta let me speak...thank you so so so much to you all.."
Mom – "left the stadium yet??"
I answer – " about too in five minutes.."
Dad – " ok beta you carry on now..we will speak to you tomorrow..enjoy the after party.."
And I hang up.
Ofcourse it was Midnight already but I knew there was going to be a big celebration back in the hotel once we reached.
And I also knew I couldn't escape this celebration.
I didn't want to, too actually.
I was really happy today.
I was really happy with the way I pulled off that last over.
I enjoyed it thoroughly.
And I quickly type Khushi a text.
Me : Khushi, I enjoyed myself out there and guess what it was a good game anyway.
My phone beeps in a minute.
Her : That was a brilliant game hoodie guy! So happy for youuuu...congratulations to you.i am so happy for you Arnav.
I smiled as I read that and I quickly text walking back to my locker.
Me : thank you so much khushi.i will just be leaving the stadium now.I will be back to the hotel in 20 minutes, but I think I will have to go for that afterparty almost immediately, the boys wont even let me go up to the room for a change too.
Phone beeps.
Her : And they shouldn't even let you off hoodie guy! you were amazing.please enjoy yourself.
I quickly reply.
Me : you are at Rahul's right? For the houseparty for diyas bday? Hows that going??
I pick up my gear and start to follow the guys out.
Phone beeps.
Her : its going great hoodie guy! we just cut the cake and everything, only after the match got over though.it was crazy around me in here...I heard the commentary of the last over Arnav.i can only imagine how amazing you must be feeling after the win.
I text quickly.
Me : you were hearing the commentary then?????
Her : ofcourse hoodie guy I heard! You know Rahul is crazy right? He had this huge projection of the match going on in the backyard.
I smile as I read that.
And I quickly text : stepping out, will be drowned by media.ill text you later then??wait for me?? You will be awake na khushi?
Phone beeps.
Her : Ofcourse I will be awake hoodie guy.you enjoy yourself.its your day today totally!
I read that and smile and I keep my phone in my pocket and step out the doors of the stadium with the boys as we make our way to the bus and just like I had predicted – we were swamped by the media.
.................................
2:30 AM – Trident -Nariman Point – Afterparty
Ok, so I now make my way from the bar sipping on my third drink,and I now wanted to just aside for a while now, and maybe take my leave in the next five minutes.
I take a seat and take my phone out.
It was almost 11 pm in Cape Town.
Was Khushi still at the party? Or was she back home?
I quickly text her.
Me : Khushi, are you still at the party? Ill be getting free in five minutes.heading up to my room by then.
My phone beeped immediately.
Her : Hellllllllllooooooooooooo hoodieeeeee guyyyyyyy.
Ok that was different.
I text on reflex : khushi have you been drinking?
Her : hawwww! How do you know??? but yes..after so so so long Arnav..But only a little..like im tipsy, not drunk.
I write immediately : and do you plan to drive back home?please don't drink and drive khushi.
My phone beeps.
Her : No Arnav, I don't want to do that, but mostly everyone is high, except Armaan,hes only had a couple of beers.he says he will drop me back home.will it be weird?is it ok for him to drive me back home??
Ok.Then.
I feel like my heart is not in this afterparty anymore.
But I take a sip off my drink and I type honestly : your safety is more important khushi.let him drive you back.
My phone beeps two excruciating long minutes later.
Her : Arnav..
I quickly type : yes khushi.
Phone beeps.
Her : can I ask you something?
Me : yes khushi.
Her : when you said that your experience in cape town this year was beyond amazing and that it totally made its way closer to your heart to the reporter – you were talking about cricket werent you???
I smile as I read that.
Stupid Khushi.
I was obviously not just talking about cricket.
I was totally hinting about her in it, in the hope that shed hear it in the commentary.
But I text : what do you think khushi??
Phone beeps.
Her : I obviously think you were talking about cricket hoodie guy ofcourse.
I felt my insides groan.
God this girl was really clueless.
So point to be noted when that right time would come – I was going to literally have to spell things out to her.
Before I could write anything my phone beeped.
Her : We have a group picture from all the celebration that was happening here after the win.Wana see it??
I smile as I read that and type : are you in it Khushi??
Her : Yes I am.
Me : Then yes.
I wait for the picture to download and I open it.
And the minute I spot Khushi in it, I feel my insides freeze and I gulp down my drink and then zoom in again.
A Major Wicket In My Heart Just Went Down.
Was that really khushi???
I looked at it again.
Yes it was her.
She looked so freaking hot.
So bloody sexy in that maroon colour off shoulder crop top, with that curved neckline which wasn't very deep but did the deed.
It totally accentuated her gorgeous neckline and those sexy shoulder blades and the fact that her hair were all tied up added to that.
And she wore a high waist black jeggings and stilletos and damm.
A little bit of her midriff was visible.
And the make up she wore was just perfect.
That obvious lip stain snug around her lips perfectly and she also had some eye make up on.
Ok, so I had to see her now.
And I was just about to write to her to get on a video call in five minutes, when my eyes fell on the other members in the group.
And my eyes noticed this one guy next to her, whom khushi was leaning against a little in the group picture and she was laughing her attention completely into the camera, but this guy wasn't partying attention to the camera in the front, for he was totally looking at Khushi.
He was so into her.
You could make it out by the way he was looking at her.
And ofcourse he was happy about the fact that she looked so hot tonight.
I take a deep breathe as I write to ask : who is that in the picture right behind you?
Phone beeps in two seconds
Her : Oh That's Armaan.
Ok.Then.
I literally don't want to be in this afterparty anymore, because my moods spoilt now, because I realised that this Armaan was really handsome, and he and khushi would have obviously made a complimenting pair when they dated.
And he was clearly still into her.
And he was going to be driving her home.
Dammit.
Why wasn't in Cape Town right now?? Why couldn't I be the one to take her back home safely??
I excuse myself now and make my way up to my room and I text and ask : khushi are we good to connect in five minutes? Im just getting to my room now..you on your way back home..?
Phone beeps.
Her : Yes hoodie guy.we'v been on the way back for seven minutes now..will be home in five minutes too.good to connect.
Ok thank god.
Because now that wouldn't leave her with much time to say goodbye to Armaan at the door.
Me : ok then.pls text me the minute you are home.
Five minutes later, im in my room,and I freshen and change into my track suit for the night at the speed of light and right then my phone beeps.
Her : I just got in hoodie guy.
I videocalled her immediately.
And she picked up on the second ring and just as her picture filled in my screen,and I actually saw her.
A wicket in my heart just went down again.
She looked so breathtaking right now – she had no freaking idea.
And I feel relief and ease wash over me immediately as she grins at me – " hoodieee guy..."
I smile at her – " hey you...look at you..looking all gorgeous tonight.."
She chuckles and she plonks on her bed as she leans back into the pillow – " really?? Am i?? maybe, because you are the second person to say that to me tonight.."
And I ask on reflex – "and who was the first..?"
She gave me an embarrassed smile – " armaan said that to me actually.."
Ok then.
My blood literally boiled.
But I controlled my expressions from giving it away as I spoke sipping on a glass of water to distract and cool myself down – "well hes right about that...",and I say – " anyway khushi..how much have you had to drink?? I had some drinks too tonight.."
She smiles – " only some Arnav..like three maybe..and a beer..",and she now says – " ok..i think im getting a little high now..you know how you range from that tipsy to high..",and she groans – " god I have work tomorrow.."
And right then she pulls her hair out of the bands grip and runs her hand through it and shuffles them a little and then flips it to one side.
My heart flipped a thousand times at that sight.
And I see her lie on her stomach as she props on her elbow up and keeps a pillow below her hands and I can see her swinging her legs in the back and she asks with a grin – " how was your after party arnav???? Must have been amazing no????"
Ok.
So I gotta get out off her thoughts and talk to her in the moment and I grin – " yes it was good Khushi..."
And she asked on reflex with a mischevious wink – " any more hot models trying to flirt with you again..??"
I chuckle at that and I say honestly – " yes..maybe, a couple.."
She winked – " so were you polite in your rejection again??"
I chuckle automatically.
And I nod and before I could tell her that that was because I wasn't interested in any model , I heard her speak softly – " can I ask you something Arnav..??"
I nod – " ofcourse khushi..what is it??"
She has a sad smile on her face now and she wiped a tear outta the corner of her eye as she says – " you know this outfit I wore today was the last outfit I shopped with Mom for a college party before she..",and she paused as she gulped down the emotion as she continued – " shed put this entire look for me together in her head..the way she wanted to have me do my make up and hair..i did everything today the way she talked about it...in her memory...",and she gulped down an emotion again as she spoke – " I don't feel like taking it off yet..i think ill just sleep in it tonight..is it weird?? Am I too crazy to want to do that?? I mean it isn't a way off not moving on right?? Its ok to hold onto these things and keep them alive in my head and life in this way right???"
God.
I totally wanted to be next to her right now to pull her into a crushing hug.
And I gulp down emotion as I answer honestly – " its ok khushi..its totally ok..you are doing great..its just your way of coping up..and you are very strong..shed be very happy today..your mom..you know shes watching over you..."
A tear falls off her eye – " she is right??"
I nod – " yes ofcourse she is..."
And she wipes off her tear and grins and the chirpiness in back in her voice again as she says – " guesss whatttt?? I saw you on tv today.."
My heart stopped.
Literally stopped as she said that.
Did she watch the match for me????
And I ask on reflex – " you saw the match????"
She smiled and then bit her lip sheepishly – " not really..."
God I would have totally kissed her if I was next to her right now.
She went on – " I saw the celebrations, I mean after the match was over..diya asked me to come accompany them all to atleast see the victory celebrations..and so I finally saw you on TV hoodie guy, right when you took off your helmet and held your bat high to the crowd..and everyone went beserk and started rhyming your name..and then your interview..i saw all of that...and..",she paused.
I asked now interested to know what was on her mind – "and what khushi??"
She grinned.
She winked – "well now I know why you have such a crazy female fan following hoodie guy..you do look good in that helmet and jersey.."
I chuckled.
I was happy about that.
And I saw a line up her foread and I asked – " whats wrong??"
And she took a deep breathe and now sat up on her bed and then leaned against the wall on the other side and she ran her hand through her hair again , making my heart flip as she spoke – " and in that moment I also realised that you are two things.."
I asked immediately – " huh??"
She spoke – " I mean..two things as in you are hoodie guy but you are also the man who lives and belongs in a world way too different from mine...its so crazy for our paths to have crossed the way they have..."
Ok.Then.
I know where this was coming from and I understood and I speak honestly – " I am hoodie guy..Khushi.."
She speaks with a small smile – " yes but Arnav..I..I..."
I need to make her feel at ease now and I speak – "not buts khushi...I understand what you mean..but you know me and I know you..im hoodie guy..and im always going to be that for you..please don't think about anything else right now.."
I see her yawn and she lies down straight on the pillow and holds the phone up in her hand and her hair is sprawled all messily on the pillow,and she looks so sexy that im bowled again.
She speaks with a smile now – " ok hoodie guy.."
And I speak now lying down in bed too – " so you know when I talked about my experience in cape town this year making its way close to my heart??"
She nods and yaws again – "ahahann"
I smile as I say – " I wasn't just talking about cricket..i was talking about you.."
Her eyes widen at that as she asks now propping up on her elbow – " you are joking right????"
I shook my head – " no khushi..im not joking im serious...",and I pause as I ask – " tell me something do you feel like its just been a month since wev known each other?? Doesn't it feel like wev known each other for a long long time??because I feel the latter..i feel like iv known you for a long time now.."
Her eyes widen further as she asks softly, but her eyes are starting to get heavy with sleep – " I know it's a month to that day today Arnav when we first met but it doesn't feel like just that to me too..do you really feel that too??"
I nodded – " yes I do.."
She takes a deep sigh – " gosh..Arnav..",and she yawns again, and she closes her eyes on reflex.
"yes khushi...."
And I just wait for her to respond, but when I spot her steady breathing I realise that she's dozed off.
I look at her gorgeousness for a couple of seconds before I finally hang up on the video call.
I smile to myself as I recall her words.
She was starting to fall for me more and more too.
And I was just very happy with that for now.
And this Happiness that I felt right now – Totally UpperCUt its way through My Heart.
.....................