Warrior - Chapter Sixteen

When we get home, Payal and I agree to not tell Amma anything for the sakes of our sanity and hers. I make my way up to my room, locking the door behind me, and settle down in bed. I take my phone out and unlock it to see the text that Arnav had sent me.

Right, I didn't get a chance to respond. ...should I respond? It's been so long and- geez, I sound like Amma.

I grimace at the thought, then type up a response and send it.

K: I had a great time as well

K: Sorry for the late response, got sidetracked

I put my phone down and get up to change and wash up. Several minutes later, I'm all comfy in a velvet bandeau and bottoms, and sit back in bed. I grab the remote and turn on my TV, find something to watch, then pick up my phone. As I do, it vibrates and I see a text.

A: No worries 😊 nice car by the way

I can't help my smile.

K: Thanks! Not so bad yourself with that SUV

A: Haha had a little splurge tbh

K: Umm I wouldn't exactly say 'little' when it comes to that car

K: And if you customized it then definitely not

A: When you put it like that, you're right LOL

A: Did you have a good trip in town today?

Oh! ...Well I guess that was to be expected.

K: I did

K: Did you?

A: Yeah but it was a short one

A: I picked my mom and chachis up from their lunch date, then got them a bunch of mini cannolis from the bakery

Hmm....

K: They were with you? I didn't notice anyone

A: No, I dropped them off at some boutique they wanted to shop at, then quickly got the cannolis while they did

A: When they were done, we all went home to enjoy them, though they almost ate half of them in the car LOL

K: They're that good huh? I'm a little jealous LOL definitely gonna have to check em out

A: I'll get them for you the next time I see you

My eyebrows shoot up as I stare at the text.

Next time? I send a text back.

K: Next time? 

A: Yes, next time

K: You're optimistic

A: I am

I look at my phone for a moment, when Arnav texts me again.

A: I have hope

K: Why? Hope is a dangerous thing

A: Because I do

A: And I don't mind a little danger

Oh?

K: Is that so 😏

A: 😈

A small chuckle escapes my lips and I quickly catch myself.

What the fuck am I doing? And did I really send an emoji to him? That to the smirking one? What the fuck?!

I put my phone down and my mind takes me back to the events of earlier today. It then replays the events of last night, and I think over every word in our conversation.

I wonder....

I pick my phone back up again and text him.

K: Did your mom tackle you last night?

A: She did LOL

K: What was her reaction?

A: What I expected it to be LOL

A: She pretty much asked for every detail and kept repeatedly asking if things really did go well, and then she started getting anxious

A: Actually she's been anxious all day today LOL

K: Anxious? Why?

Arnav doesn't immediately respond, which makes me curious. I wait a little, keeping my eyes on the screen, waiting for a response. A few minutes later, he does.

A: To be honest... because of you

Huh?

K: Me? Why?

A: Because she can't stop thinking about what your decision will be

A gasp escapes my lips as I remember her words.

"Please meet him once, at least. Then you can tell me your final decision."

K: I see...

Moments later, Arnav responds.

A: Khushi, I don't want to pressure you or anything, that's not why I told you

A: I just thought it would be better to be honest

I stare at his text for a minute, then sigh.

He has a point.

K: I know your mom and aunts were at the restaurant, my sister and I saw them

I don't get an immediate response, so I text him again.

K: Payal was the one to see them first since my back was facing them, and she saw you pick them up

A: I see...

K: Yeah...

I look at my phone for a moment, and then Arnav responds.

A: Thanks for being honest

K: Anytime

A: 😊

A: So what you up to?

K: Nm, just trying to find something to watch. You?

A: About to head to the gym

I can't help but to arch my brow.

K: What happened? Ate too many cannolis 😂

A: No 😂 just spending some time with the cuzzos

K: You mean the ones you mentioned last time? Akash and NK?

A: Yeah

K: Did you ever manage to get payback for last time LOL

A: I'm about to 😈

I can't help but to laugh.

K: Have fun!

A: Thanks! TTYL

A small smile graces my face as I stare at the text. Then my head clears up and I catch myself.

Whoa, wait, what the fuck was all of that?

I scroll through the messages we exchanged. Despite the fact that I don't know him like that, texting him was... well it felt so easy. Even talking to him last night at the restaurant was easy. I mean there wasn't any awkwardness or long pauses.... It all felt so... easy. And comfortable, even.

Placing my phone down, I lay back in my bed and stare up at the ceiling. Again, all of the moments I've shared with Arnav Singh Raizada comes flooding to mind, and then I remember my full conversation with Shalini Singh Raizada. Her words and my words with Arnav last night start to collide in my mind, becoming so hectic, that I grip onto the sides of my head.

Enough!

My head clears immediately and my eyes spring open. I just lay there quietly, staring up at the ceiling.

Suddenly there's a knock at the door. "Yo, Di!"

"What is it squirt," I call back.

"Monica just made chocolate cupcakes," she squeals, referring to one of the chefs.

"Be there in a few!"

"Don't take too long, I won't be able to control myself!"

I hear her retreating footsteps, then sigh.

I need a distraction.