ARJUN POV

ONE DAY LATER, TUESDAY

" Is the mic working properly , sir ? " The tech guy asks me fixing the screen . I fix my headphone in my left ear , tapping the small mic which echoes on both the sides of the screen . I give a thumbs up to the screen as I sip onto my protein drink .

I am right now sitting on my guest hall in front of the wooden wall for a nice background, dressed in white shirt . I have an online talk show for a sports streaming channel which is about to go live in about 5 minutes also , kiara is due to come any moment now . This was a last moment decision and I hope she does not enter like she usually does shouting a loud ' helloooo ' . Let's pray for the best .

" We are rolling in..... 3 2 1 ... " I hear a voice in my earset as I sit straight .

" A very good hello to our online family . We are here for the premier of our new chat show ' Scoop from the champions ' and we have here with us today Mr . Arjun Malhotra. " The screen cuts into two halfs as I wave to my host Rohit Mehta .

" Congratulations on the new show and Thankyou for having me here . " I smile at him relaxing myself further into the sofa .

" Thankyou for taking out time for us .

Before the premiere we asked your fans to send in their questions that they have been wanting to ask you and you will be answering them . "

" I am ready , let's bring them on . "

" What is your day to day routine when you are on rest ? "

" Honestly , I rest for a way , I do cheat on my diet but after that I work hard, I am training in nets for 3 times a week . "

" When was the moment you decided to work on your body ? "

" I was always working out but getting on the field practically is very different than what you expect. There was this time in initial year when my body was exhausted in middle of the game, that is when I knew that as an International player I cannot carry on like that . "

I reply to a many questions regarding my diet , exercises, sleep patterns.

" Now , these questions get a little sneaky ? " Rohit announces.

" I think I can handle them . " I reply with an easy laugh .

" What is the atmosphere in the dressing room before any match? "

" Its quite chilled out actually . There are punjabi songs playing , we are always talking and laughing before any game as the pressure crumbles your performance . We take on any match lively and with enthusiasm ."

" There seems to alot of affection for punjabi songs in the team "

" They are loud ,cheerful songs even Shrey Iyer enjoys them though till today he cannot understand a single word but he would come up to us humming the tune he wants to be played . " We both start laughing .

" Are there any pre match rituals? "

" There are some but they are are werid in every sense of the word . Shivam is the opening batsman but he needs to get his hair massaged before heading to the field. He would come up to us padding up .. koi 1 min massage krdo ( Someone massage me for a minute) .

When someone goes to the captain to question his absurd demands he simply says , wo opening karega , jaisa bole waise karo ( He would open the match , do whatever he says . "

" Who is the most lazy off the field? "

" I am not going to answer that . " I say smiling.

" Ok . Who is the most sleepy teammate ? "

" Aryan, bandhe ko kahi sula do . Wo plane me sota , airport mein line me khade hue sota hai , massage karne ke baad to 3 ghante bhul jao ( That man can sleep anywhere . He sleeps on the plane, while standing in the line at the airport, after massage he won't get up for 3 hours ) . " I say laughing and moving my hand in a no motion.

" What do you actually talk about in between the match ? "

" It depends on the situation , if we need runs them we strategise together otherwise its random stuff we see on the field or some random story we remember . "

" There was a clip of you and our captain laughing on the field it was last year I guess . What happened there ? " I smile remembering that moment .

" We were in kolkata playing Bangladesh. In the middle of the game he calls me to the centre of the crease to tell me story . So , when they were playing interstate tournaments they had to fill a form about their personal details. He has been very clear about the absence of his education so, there was only this one guy on the team who knew English properly and he was missing. They had to write what is their mother tongue so one of the player said it's pink and all of the them wrote the same thing . We were laughing in middle of the field . " We both laugh out loud for quite some time before moving on .

" Who are the funny guys in the team ? "

" Each and every player on the team is an unique creature of its own . Atul kirloskar just talks . You ask him about something his reply is arey wo waha hai .. mtlb ab saamne waale pe hai kaha hai kyunki wo aage bolega nahi ( Its there , now its on the other person to identify on their own where is there ) . "

" Wo ek din mujhe bolta hai arey waha bahut wo hai reh ( One day he says to me that there is too much there)... I wait for 10 seconds for him to continue but then I realise he has spoken . Now , you have to guess what is there and where ? "

" He just speaks. " Rohit says laughing.

" He is form a proper marathi household so his grip on hindi is quite less . We would talk to an elder at some place , calling him bhaisaab ( Sir / elderly) . He would come to us asking arey kya bole tum mujhe bhi batao yrr ( Teach me how you were addressing him ) . "

" Have there been any selding moments where you could not control laughing? "

" I remember one clearly . Shrey is a Tamiliam when an opponent team player was calling him out whenever he bowled , by the 3 over he lost it .

He starts arguing in Tamil which is obviously his first tongue but no one understood. He is neck to neck with the player shouting at him in Tamil , he tries to talk to him but shrey was not having it . It was quite funny to watch that because by the end it was like who is sledging whom ? "

" Now , the further questions are related to you personal life and connections? So , if you don't mind.."

" Not at all , please carry on . "

" Ok . The first one is , why are you so hot ? Oh they are spicy ... "

" I think genes and having a good body add up to that . "

" The next one is not a question... Your brother is very handsome. "

" I know but does not needs to know that . " I say already imagining how he will lift the whole home at his head in excitement.

" How is your dating life ? "

" I am not dating anyone, I am in a relationship and it's going great . "

" Looks like people are curious about your partner. " Rohit says going through the list of questions.

" How would you describe your first meeting? " I smile as images from our first meet flashes into my eyes . I see her deadly glare , her long hair , angelic face and the dread inside of me forgotten in the moment.

" It was awful that I can say . " I laugh remembering her piercing my ego with words .

" Imagine the worst moment you could meet someone and falling for them in that very moment. " I continue after few seconds. There was no doubt that I fell for her in the first glance but it took me time to finally accept it .

" If you don't mind us asking but there have been assumptions that when you were falsely accused, she was the adjudicator. "

" That is correct , Kiara was the judge of the case . "

" What was her reaction when she first saw you ? "

" Interestingly she is not a sports enthusiast so , she had no idea who I was . I did not even make a first good impression oh no make that two . "

" Hahahah..moving on .. What was your first date like ? "

" It was the worst date trust me... " I shake my head remembering that unfortunate day .

" How woukd you explain Kiara Singh?"

" Kiara is...just.... God she is beautiful!

She is so intelligent, smart , caring, loving . Like my dream woman rolled into one . "

" You are breaking alot of hearts there .. " Rohit says laughing.

" I am sorry... " I say sincerely, waving to the screen .

Suddenly, the door opens and kiara peaks in with her head . I point my chin to the screen to inform her to which she nods and gets in slowly finally settling on the sofa right across me .

" There seems to be something that got your attention... " Rohit says making me relaise I was still looking at her . Kiara's mouth widens as she puts her hand on it , shaking in negation.

" Nothing..it was a house help .. " I look up to her to see her reaction . She was looking at me in disbelief.

" Ok... moving on . When are you and your partner doing a chat show together? .... umm let me tell you if you ever decide to do that you have to come on my show ... imagine the views... " Rohit adds .

" A chat show together.." I give an upward glance to see kiara who is mouthing ' no ' .

" I do not think Kiara would be comfortable with that anytime soon so.. its a no for now . "

" What is your idea of a perfect date ? "

" I would say its not about the place its about the company . " I see some movement so I look up to see Kiara with wide arms mouthing, ' I know I am a great company ' . Whenever I see kiara carefree, spontaneous its gives me immense happiness. She was so reserved, serious but now she is herself and that I am the reason ... the feeling in indescribable.

" When can we see you both together in public again ? "

" It depends of she is free because I am also in waiting line.." I laugh looking at kiara who is also silent laughing. Yes , wo do meet almost evevrday but for 2 or 3 hours before she has to go home .

We have decided to keep her place private and out of the public eye , I do not risk travelling there .

" Oh hahah... Thankyou so much for taking out time to talk with us . It was so much fun to have this chat with you and I'll see you in Delhi soon.... "

" Thankyou for inviting me . "

" Going off air ... 1.. 2..3.... " The screen turns black as I lean back casually taking out the earpiece and mic .

" You are wasting my precious time... "

Kiara exclaims humorously.

" What got into you today? Why such a quite entry ? "

" I don't know..but I felt that I should not come in shouting and see ... "

" You said you were mad about something , what happened ? " I ask sipping my drink . Kiara extends her hand to take the cup , I leap out of the sofa planting my hand on the centre table to move across .

" I met Manav at the court today ,he was there for some case he took up but then he said maa ( mother ) is insisting to meet me . " Kiara sips the drink but suddenly her face scrunches.

" What is that? Its so awful... " She keeps the cup on the table .

" A protein shake . " I simply reply .

" Why did you give it to me ? "

" You did not ask me what I was drinking you just took it . " I say taking the cup again. Kiara looks at me for some good minutes.

" I should have told you that it is protein shake. " I say solemnly to which kiara smiles . See , I would too anything for that damn smile .

" So , Manav said maa wants to meet me . I wonder why is that? Oh yes , now I am with a famous personality so they want to reconcile to flaunt me around . " Kiara' s tone goes an octave louder by the end.

" What matters is that do you want to meet them ? " I walk towards her and settle beside her as she instantly plants her head on my bicep .

" I always wished that they would be proud of me and not see me a product of their failed marriage you know but it never happened. When I cleared the judiciary, Manav told them about it but , they just boasted themselves for my hardwork as if they were having my back but they did not . Now , that I am with you they want to meet again . "

Kiara says softly, longing laced in her voice .

" Kiara , you are the most ideal child one could have, just because they could not give you the parental love you don't have to question yourself . Look at you now , you are successful that is what matters the most , you are happy. "

" But... I think you should meet them just for once to give yourself the closure . My parents are dead but you have yours , if you meet them maybe you could get some answers. You would be only lying to yourself if you say that you don't want to know why they did that to you ? You do want to reconcile . Don't you ? " I bring her closer to me by placing me arm on her waist .

" I ....umm..... they are my maa papa . I want to feel like a child again , that they will be there when I fall . I want them to love me.... no matter how many times I lie to myself but at the end of the day I want to have parents . " I could hear her voice getting hoarse.

" You are not to cry for them or yourself. Your tears are not worth anything. " I kiss her head.

" I need some time to you know.... prepare myself. "

" Its your decision to see them, take as much time as you want . I can come with you if that's ok with you. "

" I don't know.... "

" Its all good... "

" Something exciting or I would say out of the blue happened today ? " Kiara sits straight looking at me excitedly.

" I am all ears.... " I sat tapping by ear .

" People who come to court trust me they do not care about anything... same goes with the workers there , lawyer and judges. " She moves her hand in excitement.

" Today, I was coming out when two girls stopped me , umm in their late teenage years . Yeah so...I was just leaving when they came upto me asking for a picture. ... " Oh no !

" Was there any crowd... they they cornered you.... wh...what happened? " I ask imagining the worst but Kiara looks at me as if I have lost my brain .

" Did you not get the part where I said two teenager girls... "

" Oh ok then. Continue " I move my hand in a proceed motion.

" So they asked me for a picture and I did get scared for a second because it was the first time something like that was happening to me . I did not get the picture clicked but I talked to them... "

" What did you talk about? " I ask curiously.

" They said I am lucky , they were jealous of me and anddd I am more beautiful in real life . We talked about their studies, career options ."

" That is obvious . " I say brushing her hair through my fingers. She taps my thighs saying , "Your turn now . You said you wanted to see something.. "

" You have to come with me to see a new house . " This was my turn to get excited.

" A house ? Why do you need to see a house ? " Kiara's face turns into that of a contemplation.

" I am buying a house . "

" What is wrong with this one ? " She asks looking around incredulously.

" I want to pick our house... " I say making her stall completely.

" Arjun.... " She starts to say but I lift my hand to stop her.

" Kiara , look at houses with me , a house that we both select together that would have everything we want in a home , our home . I want you to have your dream home and I want mine too and it has you in it . We pick it together, we give ideas together, we select the furniture, colors , each and everything. It holds our names together , your name comes in the deed . I would never ever pressure you to move in with me until you are ready but I need to know that your are there, always and you can't run away from me ever nor there is a chance of me going that is our house . Please do this with me , make a home with me and move in whenever you want . I need you for the hunting , to stop me going extra crazy with money , to reprimand me if I make an obnoxious choice , I need you all in ." By the time I finsh kiara is looking at me with wet eyes .

" I ... want a home together and I am going on the house hunt because you would buy something big , total waste of money with certain things that no one would ever use like.... a squash room . " Kiara had long forgotten that she was on verge of tears but instead she looks horrified at the thought of a squash room .

" I do not trust you a bit with our new home let me make this very clear . " She lifts her index finger to point at me as I throw my arms in air , surrendering .

" I am not leaving Karn behind... " She says giving me an unbelievable look .

" Who said I was leaving him behind? We come in package... you are forgetting I have a joint family of two brothers. "

" I thought you forgot him for a second... so ungrateful. " She shakes her head , placing her hand on her chest.

" Karn is the 3 voice in the house hunt but its better to not to listen to him... the squash room you were horrified about he might want that . "

" He will come with us for the hunt but butt after that he can make his room the way he wants it ...and andd we can give both of you 3 options what you want in the home . That's fair . " She extends her hand towards me .

" That's a fair deal... " I say shaking her hand .

" But you have to promise me one thing. " She holds my hand in between her hands .

" I umm..is it a smart move to agree without knowing? " I ask quizzed.

" Ofcourse it is. Now , say yes . " She says hopefully.

" Yes . " I say it but not going lie that I was scared what she might ask me .

" You will accept the money... "

" No . " I cut in in between with a booming voice pulling my hand of of her grasp but he pulls me towards her.

" Would you listen to me. " She says equally louder .

" Whatever you will say will not convince me otherwise.. " I state firmly contradictory to what I was feeling inside .

" I earn money , it might not be alot for you ok , I know that but its in no way less its alot of you ask any normal person who is not a cricketer or whose brother is a big business man . I have alot of savings trust me .... I was saving it to buy my own place , now that I am finally getting one why not use it . Its alot .... " With that she comes closer to whisper in my ear . Ok now that is some good money.

" You sure you want to spend your savings . " She nods excitedly.

" I see no problem with that... atleast now . But let me make this very clear in future you are not going to spend the money when I am perfectly capable of doing so . Let me spoil you , just once... " I say pleading .

" We had a talk like this before too . I am obviously going to enjoy with your money , who said I am not touching it . " She wiggles her brows.

" So , we can start tomorrow? "

" Yessss.... " She shouts jumping onto me , making me fall back on the sofa with her laying on me , hugging me tightly.

" I want to have a big fountain with fishes... " She says looking upto me .

" Who is there to stop us ? " I say smiling.

OUR HOME OUR HOME OUR HOME

I love the sound of that .

________

" Mujhe indoor Olympic size pool chaiye ( I want an indoor Olympic size pool ) . " Karn says at dinner and thankfully Kiara is not here , she would have passed out .

" Sports complex nahi khol rahe hai , ghar le rahe hai ( We are not opening a sports complex , we are buyinh a home ) . " I say to him shaking my head .

Its going to be a long dinner.

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Happy birthday Palak .