CHAPTER 27 - LOVE > DISTANCE

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HELLOOO GUYSSSS..

I am back with a 8.7k words Long Updateeee!!!!

We are forward by Nine more Days into their world.

Guys please keep an eye on the Timeline of the Story

I shall let you all dive in without further delay

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CHAPTER 27 – LOVE  > DISTANCE

NINE MORE DAYS LATER

(25TH November – Same Year – Auckland)

11.15 PM

ARNAV'S POV

I grin as I hear Dad exclaim on the video call – " My son, what a brilliant game that was last night, I can't get over it..you know what, youv been bloody brilliant this year, look at that performance of yours – its peaking in all three – fielding, bowling , batting,like literally, tell me how did you even fly up to take that catch on the boundary line – that brilliant shot was totally heading for a six, and NZ needed that last six for the win to win that second T20 so that they would have a chance to clinch the t20 series in the match tomorrow, and trust me, I was more nervous than your Mom this time around, as I held my breath when the ball was in the air...but no...all thanks to my killer genepool, what do I see next..i see my brilliant son shoot up in the air and catch it, and it happened so fast son, it was bloody brilliant of you to throw the ball into air again, to regain your balance near the boundary line so that your foot didn't cross the line by any chance, and just then I am telling you, mind this...I am sure the entire country was holding its breath when you shot that ball up into the air again after catching it again – and everybody was praying for it to fall back straight into your hands, and it did..god it was insane, and trust me when I say this, even your dadi jumped up in glee and couldn't stop clapping as she exclaimed happily how bloody brilliant her grandson was..."

I smile – " thanks Dad, yes it was exciting, quite much actually, I cannot get over it myself, it was so thrilling that moment..."

Dad grins – " and that's is why I took a little break from my meeting to call you right now..."

So yes.

New Zealand was 7 hours 30 minutes ahead of India.

Dad was in office, and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw his incoming video call.

I grin – " thanks dad...and you can go back to you can go back to your meeting now, I know you don't like to make people wait.."

Dad grins – " I will resume in a while, because by the time I get home you will be asleep, and I wanted to discuss something with you.."

I look at him worried – " what is it Dad?? All ok?? I mean your bp isn't fluctuation again..are you taking your medications on time????"

He grins – " yes son, don't worry about it at all, you think your mom will spear me, I am fit and fine, you do know the morning 5k run that I do everyday – takes care of everything and then obviously I do watch my diet too...you know your mother, shes so paranoid about my heart, she keeps telling me to be careful, since I am heading to that age when we lost your grandfather to that massive cardiac arrest in his sleep..."

I groan – " Dad..please..."

He smiles – " Son, relax..what I am saying is, that I am hail and hearty, infact I just finished with my regular checks up the TMT etc this morning, and my heart is in perfect shape..."

I grin now feeling relaxed – " thank god...."

He pauses and his smile now transfers into a deep concern – " you know what son, off late I think we are being unfair to you, you know, asking to quit the games by 30, and iv been thinking, that maybe, you shouldn't quit...you'b been playing so well, and I just feel watching your game lately- that your career is peeking towards a different level now, and I think its unfair of me to kind off ask you to step off the field straight into my boring boardrooms..."

I give him a reassuring smile as I say – " dad, please...don't worry about it, all of you have been nothing but supportive to me always and towards the love I have for the game, and to be honest to you, yes I love cricket – you know I do, but I have to step back one day or the other no dad, I mean there will come a time and age when I will have to quit anyway, so its my choice to step down by 30 dad, because yes there's also a businessman in my brain, and it feels right to me that I strike that balance between my two responsibilities – so please...I don't want you to go on worrying about this again...and until then, just enjoy watching your son playing..."

He smiles now, feeling a little relieved by my reassurance – " well, I am your father, and I love you son, your happiness is my priority, please know that under no circumstances will I want you to sacrifice your dreams and compromise on that happiness you feel within...so just incase you think by the end of next year that you do not want to quit yet, just give me a heads up..i will take care of things on this end, I will get in CEO for the group to assist me, I just wanted you to know, that the decision to quit isn't a final one Arnav, I am leaving it open for now..we will talk about how you feel about this once again, when the time comes..."

I grin – " well but I am pretty sure about it in my head,the decision is final for me dad, but ok if you say so, we will talk about this again when the time comes..."

Dad grins – " and hows it going with your girl in Cape Town, yoru mom did tell me that things are great..."

I nod as I admit, seeing the happiness reflect on my face on the screen – " its going great dad, and honestly its been so great because shes been so understanding and supportive to me.."

Dad grins – " yes, I know about that...your mother tells me about it.."

I grin – " you know what honestly dad, I think all this disntace doesn't even matter.."

Dad grins – " all that matters it what the heart feels, you know what son, I met your mother while I was still playing and I understand the hardships, I mean I was travelling and touring all over the world just like you and she would be in Bombay, and back in the day we didn't have tha advantage of technology like you all do today, so it wasn't easy, but I never gave up on her even when it got tough, and then ofcourse theres something very important that I learnt from my experience that I want to share with you – and that is that being in a long distance relationship kind of enforces you by default to learn to communicate well and trust me son there is no other skill more essential to a long term relationship success...and your mother does tell me that youv told her that an amazing communication bond is what the two of you have anyway...but I still wanted to tell you that, its my duty as your father and your very first friend too to guide you on the matters of the heart too.."

I grin – " I love you dad..thank you so much..and to be honest..with Khushi its so amazing because of that..we tell each other everything and that's what keeps us going...",and right then Dad's intercom buzzes and he politely asks his assistant to serve some tea and snacks in the boardroom and that he would join them soon and I ask him – " dad are you sure im not keeping you??"

He smiles – " no you are not ,its an internal meeting, so don't worry about..tell me what's on your mind, I know somethings worrying you..and I know you feel more comfortable talking to your mother and sister first, but I am here for you too , always you know that right??"

I nod – " yes Dad, I know that, and I also know that you always know everything from Mom anyway, and it isn't like that I wouldn't talk to you or something...",and I pause and I admit – "so.. its been so so hectic Dad, all these months and then this news that we received two days ago about all that rescheduling happening, is really pushing me for time, I mean I thought I was going to get this time after the NZ tour to fly to Cape Town and go be with khushi for a while..but now with us having to go to Sril Lanka by the 30th of November..its crashed all my plans..and Cap and Shiv both are taking a little rest for the first half of the schedule of the test matches, you know Shiv's got no rest at all this year atleast I got some in the beginning because of my wrist..but hes been playing non stop..and then Cap's back needs a little rest too, so its like I can't sit out and you know to be honest when I discussed this with khushi two days ago that I might not be able to see her like I had planned, she was so supportive and understanding...she was all like don't worry Arnav..i understand..you please concentrate on the games and don't worry about me..otherwise people will say South Africa Cheated..."

Dad chuckles as he says – " from all that I have heard about Khushi..know that all of us cant wait to meet her..."

I grin – " soon dad, just as I think she is ready , I need to wait until she finishes with her management degree in around mid may, shes already done with her chartered accountancy, and I think she will only be in a right frame of mind to see things going further for us by then , so yeah..."

Dad grins – " ofcourse...we are a mad crazy family, but we do not want to overwhelm her too and that is why I also think she is aware that only your sister knows about you both..."

I grin sheepishly as I admit – " yup dad..i mean I think if I tell her how all of you know already, might just kind of overwhelm her...so I am not taking any chances there..so yes slow and steady..i gotta take it with her that way..."

Dad smiles – " ok..so I get the fact that the two of you are in a very good space right now..",and he paused as he winked – " and I am glad that all those controversies regarding Aisha has died..you wont believe you guilty your mom was thinking she shouldn't have ever called sheena to watch the match at the Firoz Shah Kotla.."

I grin on reflex as I say – " dad, glad is an understatement, we are exhilarated, but you to know to tell you the truth, I think khushi and me are stronger than all of that nonsense being able to affect us now,I mean, we both know that we are secured in this relationship and now nothing from the outside can kind of mess this up for us...the only way for this to go down would be if wither os uf hurts the other or screws up, which I know is not happening anyways because its equally precious to us both.."

Dad winks – " and that is why my son, you are being all disciplined in your after parties too.."

I grin – " ofcourse dad, I don't want any unnecessary drama to sprout up on social media or Instagram that can cause any hurt to Khushi...and khushi...I trust her more than anything – she tells me everything..so yes..that way all is good"

Dad grins – " we are lucky son, to have found the ones we love and have them love us back the same way...its rare and its precious, and I am so proud that you accept that and don't shy away from it..",and he pauses as he now asks – " so everything seems to be in a good space, so what are you worried about then???"

I sigh as I admit – "Dad it's also been more than five months and almost three weeks since I last saw her dad and I think even though she has been so supportive and understanding, I feel like I want to make every effort into this...I mean just because she loves me and understands me so much, I don't want to take it for granted..."

Dad nods – " and you shouldn't take the one you love for granted, ever...thumb rule..."

I nod – " exactly, so now iv just been feeling bummed because iv had to cancel my plan for Cape town in November...buti do have a thought in my head..i was going to talk to Cap about it right before your call came.."

Dad – " what thought??"

I take a deep breathe – " so you know we won the test series and the odi turned out to be a draw because the last match was washed out due to rains.."

Dad grins – " and the fourth one too in which you made a killer century as well was cut down short due to bad weather and rains and you guys lost by like 1 run because of Duckworth- lewis and hence the game went to NZ.."

I nod – " damm DLS Dad..i cant tell you how disappointing that was.."

He grins and winks – " well look somethings haven't changed , we used to curse the DLS inventors too..all the time when a result wouldn't be in our favour because of it..."

I chuckle on reflex.

Now you know what I mean when I say – I have the best family in the world.

And Dad actually thinks that hes being unfair to me by expecting me to step in to help him in the business????

He's crazy.

I am never going to change that decision.

I continue – " ok so yes and with the second consecutive win in the T20 last game, its like we have clinched this already, so I was just thinking about talking to Cap if I can fly out to Cape Town tomorrow maybe, we are 11 hours ahead of Cape Town so that gives me a little advantage on time, and I think I will be able to make it to Khushi – before her bday finishes in her time, and then I know I have to be back in Delhi by the 28th night at any cost, but im thinking even if its for a day – I want to go see her..."

Dad grins – " totally..i agree son, it'll reassure her and comfort her, so good and you can tell Cap to tell coach that iv asked you to go in for some urgent work to Cape Town..",and he winks – " your coach is a toughie..."

I nod and I smile – " yes that was the plan dad...and Khushi is in her class right now, shes got like two hour lecture going on in her time from Noon to 2pm..which gives me time to plan this too.."

Dad grins – " get going then, go talk to Cap , tell him I said hello.."

I nod – " thank you dad, for everything..you are the best..."

He grins – " I love you son...speak later and now I shall return to my boring boardrooms...",and he hangs up with a wink.

I hang up and I look at the time.

Its 1145 pm for me and Khushi was still going to be in class till my 1am.

I quickly walk out to Cap's room and just as I step out of my room, I see Ravi step out of his across and he asks – " where too??"

I smile – " to Cap.."

Ravi grins – " I was thinking of going down to the bar to get a drink..maybe let us get one in Cap's room..."

I nod and we start walking side by side and Ravi sighs – " I don't know what more can I do to get your sister to forgive me, its been what almost a year to this now..she still wont give me another chance.."

I look at him – " but atleast shes talking to you right..."

Ravi sighs – " yeahh like barely..maybe some texts here and there, and that too because shes starting to notice my insta feed which shows my well behaved demeanour in the afterparties now...",and he pauses as he says – " but I think she might come around, because I have reassured her than I was totally drunk in that momet like not in my senses and it happened so bloddy fast and it didn't mean anything as in, it lasted for like not even ten seconds – iv got her thinking on the grounds that does she really want to throw away all that we feel for each other on a basis of a ten second mistake – that anyway happened when I wasn't in my right frame of mind – it wasn't intentional anyways until she comes around, im just going to have to keep channelizing all my frustration into my game..the only way to keep myself sane..."

I say honestly – " well to be honest Its like I still don't support what you did, and yet I am trying to understand your perspective and Anjali's too..its like I don't know..confusing ..so im just going to keep myself out of it and let the two of you be the best judge of what you want to do..i anyways feel no one else has the right to butt into a relationship that's starkly personal between two people..so yes.."

Ravi smiles – " you are a good brother and a good friend, and I am sorry for you to be torn in between us like this.."

I shrug and he asks with a smile – " you are upset about all this rescheduling right?? I know you were planning to fly to Cape town to see Khushi, after this NZ tour and now with Cap and Siv both resting out for the fist half of the test scheduling..it comes on you..."

I nod as I admit – " yes I am a tad bit upset, that's why I am going to talk to Cap.."

Ravi gives me a confused look and right then we reach Cap's door and we knock and he opens it and we grin at him as we can see him all relaxed in his shorts and tee all set to sleep and we ask – " can we come in Cap.."

He grins – " ofcourse boys..."

We get in and Ravi goes to the Mini bar and pours us all some red wine and we adjust on the L shaped sofa in Caps room and Ravi now joins us giving us our glasses and Cap takes a sip as he asks – " whats up??"

I take a sip of my wine – " so Cap..we'v already won the T20 series so I was thinking.."

Cap gives me a knowing look as he says – " so you want to skip the third match tomorrow and fly to Cape Town tomorrow?"

I look at him surprised – " how did you guess??"

Cap smiled as he took a sip of his wine – "Well I could see this coming after our win yesterday...you did have this super tensed look on your face when Coach told us about the rescheduling two days ago – I sensed it, that the preponement of the Sri lanka tour kind off would have affected your plans to Cape Town...its been a gruelling five and a half months of cricket for us all, and with Shiv and Me resting out for a bit..its come on You..",and he paused as he now gave me wink – "and to be honest I did think that- that amazing superman kind of flying catch you took at the boundary line yesterday to save us from that six that won us the game...was all because you wanted to win it so bad so that you could fly out to Cape town..."

I chuckle – " maybe..just maybe I think you right, for I don't know what logic made me jump into the air that high...it had to be my heart acting in the background..."

Ravi grins too as he pats my shoulder – " that wicket was to my name only because of you my friend..seriously now that I think about it again, its like my mouth was in my throat from the bowling end as I yelled catch itttttttttttt.........."

Cap grinned – " well mine was caught in the throat too for that last couple of seconds when you threw it back in the air to make sure you were in balance and well safe within the boundary line to catch it again..",and we all burst out laughing as Cap states – " and to think we feel this thrill every time anyway even after all these years..."

I nod and I straighten up and take a sip as I admit honestly – " ok guys, so yes I want to skip on playing tomm Cap, and its Khushis bday too, I mean we are 11 hours ahead so.."

Ravi – " but its still like half way across the globe as in we are in New Zealand and Cape Town is like 30 hours of transit...and you have to be back to Delhi by the 28th so its like you will reach there by 26th night and you have to have to leave by 27th night – so only 24 hours my friends.."

I nod – " I know..but even if it is just for those 24 hours..i need to go..i gavent seen her in like five months three weeks and shes been so understanding and supportive..like even when I told her that I might not be able to make it to Cape Town due to thr reschedule because that time I didn't know the result of the t20 series right I mean it could have gone either way for us..but she was so supportive and understanding, and then its only crazily hectic after this too because right after Sri Lanka tour we have the Bangladesh tour,and then we only break over around before Xmas and New Years..i will go then again, but for

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