Hello everyone...

Supriseeeeeee Again!

Back with the fourth update in a row.

Went totally in flow with the thoughts in my head and penned it down, for my fingers were itching to type it out.

I will let you all dive in without further delay!

Let me know what you all think.

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CHAPTER 10 – COMING HOME

Arnav's POV

Im in trouble.

In a big time – Trouble.

Or Rather I should say – that I have landed myself in the middle of a Big SOUP.

Because.

I cant stop thinking about Khushi.

I literally cannot get her face outta my mind, or everything to do with her outta my thoughts.

And – There is a very very important point to be noted here for future reference.

I don't want to stop thinking about her.

And I am not going to.

And it's a trouble that im more than Happy to take On.

Because its about time – that I start paying attention to the Great Expectations of my Heart.

Until now - Everything In the 28 years of my Life, had been narrowing down to two things mainly – Cricket and Business.

Everything I do - Its always really been about shouldering the great expectations and responsibilities that are expected out of me in the world of cricket and business(as I have also seeked to train and educate myself for everything that I will be needed to do when I step into the world of business, and assist dad as the CEO of Raizada Industries- two years from now)

And amidst all that I never really did have the time to pause and explore the matters of the heart.I totally always felt like I couldn't be fair to it because of my hectic lifestyle and schedules.

But maybe,it wasn't just about that assumption about myself that I had in my head.

Because now, my neurons were literally kind of overworking and brainstorming the different ways in which I could find some good time to give in – to those moments my heart seeked.

Uptil now – maybe because I'd Never wanted to do it, I held that assumption in my head that I couldn't do it.

Because.

I had never really met anyone – Who could Break Her way into my Heart.

Uptil now,I had always longed to meet someone who will just see beyond the surface and look at me for who I am , deep within,and it hadn't happened for all these years so I had even kind off started wondering and doubting the fact whether I would actually meet someone who was able to startle my heart and stir up those emotions – that will force me to give in to those expectations within.

And then.

A sudden event as if it was supposed to be like that lucky chance roll of a dice to double sixes – I walk into a little coffee shop – totally unaware at that point in time that – that very moment was going to be a turning point of my Life.

A Turning Point – it definitely was.

The bestest decision I made – by taking my chances and walking into Chai and Coffee that day.

Thank you Destiny.

Thank you Fate.

Thank you – Life.

For Just when I thought I was probably going to have to deal with the longing within longer – you all decide to surprise me in the most gorgeous of ways.

And

In a Big Bang Moment of my Life - I meet Khushi.

And Everything Changes.

Nothing was ever going to be the same again, and I was kind of glad.

My heart had come alive in the ways that I couldn't really explain.

And I was happily considering those expectations of my Heart now.

I'd like to now take a moment to give a title to the times I have spent with Khushi until now, in the story of my Life.

And the Apt Title would be – The Fascinating Chronicles of when Lightening First Struck my Heart.

And because of everything I was now feeling within – I think it would be fair on my part to kind of divide the periods of the life of my heart into two sections.

B.K – Before Khushi.

A.K – After Khushi.

Because i didn't know how any of this felt – Until Khushi came along.

And now, it totally felt like I couldn't go back onto what I had been feeling.

I open my eyes and pause my music for a bit ,and look at the sight of Ravi engrossed in watching a movie.

We were going to land in Delhi in about 45 minutes from now.

I resume listening to my playlist and I open my whatsapp and go to my chat window with Khushi.

I smile automatically as I read the little chat I had- had with her once I had messaged her that I had boarded for Delhi.

Me: Khushi, iv boarded now for Delhi.

Her : That's great hoodie guy! Have a good flight,some more sleep maybe??

Me : No khushi, im going to be awake, we are always advised to adjust our sleep cycles in accordance with the time zones we are going to land in, in order to avoid jet lag. What are you doing??

Her : Stepped into the café.Was catching up with Jack and Stacey.Brewing coffee now.

Me : are you going to make some coffee for yourself now? The one we both like?

Her : Yes!but how do you know? You want some??

Me : Sure! I wish.Technology still needs to advance a lot more.

Her : Haha! I agree hoodie guy.Ok so if you aren't going to sleep, what do you plan to do for the next so many hours??movies or will you just be listening to your music and your playlists?

Me : You know me.I think ill watch a movie and then just spend some good time with my music.What about you? Did you get around to watching anymore of The Crown?

Her : I wanted to continue..but then I think ill just catch up on something else tonight!

Me : Why?? The Crown was good right?

Her : Yes. And it totally reminds me of the time we binged watched a couple of episodes together...but..you also don't know one more thing..and that is I am totally all about spoiler alerts..i trouble everyone a lot with that. I know I know..not fair..but its just a mischief I like to indulge in.So the whole point is that - if I watch ahead of you, im totally going to end up spoiling it for you.

Me : ok then..i have a plan, we'll watch it together, as in we can decide that well be catching up on it on that day, that way we will be on the same page!

Her : Sounds good hoodie guy!but I still have to study some more tonight!And Isn't it time for your take off now?

Me: it is ! we'v just begun taxing.

Her : ok HG! Speak later then.

Me : I'll message you when I land.

Her : Thanks.I will be awake, anyway!

I finish re-reading it all,and I grin to myself.

I cant wait to land actually.

I am a Goner!

Im so into her that its crazy..and I think she doesn't quite realise the fact that shes kinda getting into me too.

Its all in there in that vibe in between of us.

All her pure little gestures and her words.

She was so worried about my landing time in Dubai..it was in the back of her head..and she actually tracked it up online.And then the way in which she requested me to keep the hanuman chalisa on me all the time, her worry over the wifi usage – I totally understood where it was all coming from, and I was moved by the underlying meaning of it all.

She was worried for my safety.

She'd given me a pure token in a gesture that had a lot of significance behind it.

I look back into it all and Im starting to comprehend it all.

This thing in between of us – is surely starting to mean something to her too.

She just doesn't probably know it yet.

She is pretty clueless and naive that way..and I feel a strong rush of affection as I revisit the memory in my head about - how that very cluelessness and naivity can be irresistibly charming and attractive.

Anyway im sure she will get her head around it as the time flows.

Because I wasn't going to let this go.

I was going to give it my all and hold onto this thread in between of us in every way.

Until.

She came around in her head and realised the true significance of our connection.

Because I hadn't found it in the 28 years of my life, I completely understood the rarity and value of it.

I was totally counting on my mind to come up with a perfect plan it needed to conjure up in order to provide support to my emotions.

I close my eyes again and I smile to myself as the music continues in my ears.

I had to find a way off - Clean Bowling her heart away.

Just like she was clean bowling mine - Bit by Bit – on every single ball of the over.

..........

I was quite enjoying the night view out of the window to the plane, as we were now landing.

The scheduled arrival had been delayed by 15- 20 minutes.

It was 330 am in Delhi now.

I continue looking out the window as the night view over my home city always amazed me.

The wheels of the plane touchdown on the runway, and I sit up in my seat and instantly put off the flight mode and wait for the signal reception.

The minute it does - my phone buzzes.

Its kumar uncle.

My driver.

I pick up the phone and he tells me that he is waiting for me at the arrivals already.

Thank god Mom and Dad listened and just sent kumar uncle for the pick up.

My arrival was anyway in the middle of the night.i didn't want to disturb them.

I told him that ill call him once id picked out my luggage.

I quickly pick out my backpack from the over head compartment and see the rest of the boys starting to wind up as well.

I quickly message about my landing in the family group.

And then I finally open the whtsapp chat window with Khushi.

And I text her. It was midnight now in Cape town,and I was hoping that she hadn't slept.

She did say that she would be awake.

Me: Khushi, iv just landed.we were delayed by 15-20 minutes.are you awake??

My phone beeped within a second.

Her : hello HG..thanks for the message!Yes, im awake..i told you I would be up no.its only midnight.

I smiled as I read that and I wrote back : whats up? Studying or Netflix?

I wait for her reply.

In the meanwhile, we all get ready to step out.

I smiled at the crew and shook hands with some of them,and one of them wanted autographs from Ravi, Cap and me and a selfie too,and we all happily obliged.This was a part of all our lives as public figures. And I watched kunal and the rest of the boys get surrounded by fans too..and then minutes later the crew finally stepped in and made way for us and we walk out on the aerobridge,and I adjust my backpack on my shoulder as I walk next to Cap , who was on a call, and my phone finally beeps.

Her : Still studying Arnav.just finishing reading some more notes.will take me 30 minutes or so.

Me : ok great, I should be in the car too by then.i will call you then.hoping the media doesn't keep us held for too long at the arrivals.

Her : There will be media out there at this time of the night??really??

I am about to reply when the phone beeps again.

Her : ofcourse there would be.You guys are like literally worshipped.And that was a fabulous victory also.Only fair for you all to receive a grand reception.

I smile as I write : you know how it is..ill call you in 30 minutes.k?

Her : sure!

I put my phone in my pocket and join the rest of the boys in heading towards the immigration.

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

45 Minutes Later

I get into my car and I still see some cameras flash as kumar uncle now gets in behind the wheel and speeds away.

I was used to this by now.

Especially back home now in India – it was like all of us had a invisible camera around our heads all the time.

We were always under the scanner.

But the amazing reception at the arrivals by fans and the media in the middle of the night was definitely amazing.

Although sometimes, even though im a team member, it kind of got difficult for me to understand and comprehend the craze and love – people had in their hearts for the game and us.

It was both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time.

We were all kind off expecting the buzzing reception at the arrival as Coach had got a heads up about it whilst we were still in immigration.

And It had taken us all around 45 minutes to finally get hold of our luggage, address the media, and wade through the crowds,selfies, autographs etc, and finally get into our respective cars in order to make our way home.

I look at the time on my phone.

It was 415 am IST now. Cape town – 1245am

But she did say that she was going to be awake.

I think of texting first to check.

Me : khushi..just got in the car.Are you up? Can I call you??

I had fifteen – twenty minutes until I reached home, at this time of the night.

We lived in Chattarpur.

My phone beeped.

I smiled.

She was awake.

Her : hii..yes..im awake!

I quickly called her.

And she picked up in an instant and I hear her voice fill in through the speaker and I smile to myself – " hey you..im sure you cant wait to get home, it must be tiring no? and you r probably still on the road right?"

I answer, looking out the window – " yes just got in the car, but at this time of the night..itll just take me 15- 20 minutes to get home.."

"its good that You live so close to the airport",she answered,and then she went on – " although iv never been to India, Rahul does tell me that the traffic is a huge problem..but its that way in every major city of the world I guess.."

I asked on reflex – " wait what?? You never been to india?? Like never??oh this topic never came up between us or did it??"

I heard her laugh on the other end – " yes, yes, hoodie guy..i know suprising it is..because im an indian afterall..well lets just say..i haven't ever been there..long story..and no the topic didn't come up in between of us, I guess.."

I asked, now really interested – " but tell me why..i want to know.."

"are you sure?? its kind of very dramatic the reason why I haven't ever been there..",came her answer

I asked – "tell me.."

"so apparently my grandpa and grandma fell in love when they were in college, her family was against it, grandpa had got a job in Cape Town..so they fleed here and from what mom and dad tell me both the family's were so angry that they all cut ties with my grandpa and grandma..they did try to reach out to their families after the birth of my father..but none of them wanted anything to do with them..so then they just went on with the life and home they had made for themselves here, in Cape town..even dad had never been to India in all his life..my mom was an orphan, she was born here and lived here all her life too..so yea..thats about it..we'v never been to India because we have no next to kin or family who'd want to do anything to do with us..but I always wanted to visit like on a holiday atleast..its where im rooted from..so yes..maybe one day..",and she paused and she then added softly – " iv bored you again, haven't i??"

I smile to myself as I answer – " you don't bore me Khushi..please..and that's totally a dramatic tale..look at your grandma and grandpa fleeing in the name of love..so kool.."

I heard her chuckle – " yeah right kool..what about all the drama that followed.."

I chuckled – "Well they do say that alls fair in love and war khushi.."

She chuckled.

I asked on reflex, now leaning back into my seat – " are you done studying??"

"kind off.gotta finish off a couple of more pages...like around ten..",she answered.

I asked on reflex – "am I disturbing you then??"

"well technically no. I did think of taking a ten minute break when you messaged that you were going to call..are you about to reach home soon??"

"about too in like three minutes..the roads were empty", I answered.

"ok then..ill let you settle in..",and I heard her yawn.

I answered – " you get some rest too please..you have a long day tomorrow too right??"

"yes hoodie guy..i will be sleeping in about 30 minutes..good night to you..speak later.."

"goodnight khushi..",and she hung up, right as the gates of my home opened, and we pulled into the driveway.

And I grinned to myself as I saw Mom, Dad and Anjali all standing in on the main door with a grin on their faces.

And I asked uncle with a smile – "did you secretly message them that we would be arriving any minute now??"

He smiled – " ofcourse beta..i had too.."

I got off, and was immediately pulled into a hug by my mother as she held me close and then kissed my forehead – " welcome back beta..did you really think we werent going to get up to welcome you?,and she winked – " my son plays the game of his life, the least I can do is welcome him with a hug when he reaches home..",and I grinned – " thank you maa.."

And im pulled into a hug by my father instantly too – "so proud of you my son..so so proud off you..that was one amazing game..i never knew you could bowl like that...I mean I definetly didn't pass that down through my genes..as you know I was just the batsmen..",he finished with a wink.

Mom rolled her eyes at him and she winked – " ya ya we all have heard that before..now cmon I don't want to talk about the days of your glory now..its my sons time going on..yours is gone long Senior Raizada.."

I had the koolest mother in the whole wide world.

She was also one of my bestest friends.

And Dad was still crazily in love with her.

Dad eyes widened at that – " excuseeee me..."

Anjali came in to hug me as she whispered – " welcome home bhai..missed you so much.."and I held on to her giving her a hug – " missed you all too...",and then she spoke gesturing towards mom and dad – "how are they so crazy and adorable at the same time..?"

I laughed and held on to her in a side hug as we enjoyed out parents bickering, grinning at each other.

Dad faked hurt and then he winked – " oh really, long gone, but I remember you telling me just last night how you wanted to see me in my jersey and helmet again.."

I laughed at that as Mom glared at him and spoke, a little embarrased – "shame on you Raizada..your going to be 60 and you cant still hold your tongue in front of your children..",and we all started to walk in through the door.

Anjali and me laughed and Dad pointed out by folding his arms in front of his chest as we entered through the foyer - " excuse me Mrs raizada..point to be noted.i still have 5 years to that.Im just 55.."

Mom rolled her eyes – "almost 56 ok.."

Dad rolled his – "Maa is sleeping..ill just wake her up and you can ask her..its 55 yrs 3months,so technically still 55.."

Mom – " oh pls don't you wake up maa right now.."

Dad grinned – " kool.i win then.."

Mom grinned – " ya ya..you do..",and she turned to us as she spoke with a wink, leaning to whisper in our ears – "easier to let him have his way.."

Dad finally put a arm around Mom – "cmon lets go to bed now, let him relax..",and he paused as he hugged me again – "take a couple of days off son ..its been a long tour.. I shall be home for lunch tomorrow.."

I nodded – " yes dad its