Warrior - Chapter Twelve

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm going to have to do this quick.

Quietly, I tiptoed down the hall to my parents' room. I open the door carefully, making sure not to make a sound, and sneak in, shutting the door behind me. Tiptoeing across the small gallery, I entered the vast room. Dad was snoring away like he always did, and mom was out like a light, her eye mask in place.

Okay, this is my only chance.

I made my way over to Amma's nightstand and see her phone. Carefully, I pick it up and unlock it easily since my mom's phone had my fingerprint saved on it.

You know how it is since parents aren't always the most tech savy.

I went to her contacts, and scrolling through it, I found who I was looking for - Shalini Singh Raizada. Thank goodness my mother was smart enough to save the number under her name after she found out who's number it was. 

A small groan fills my ears and I freeze immediately. I look over at my parents, seeing Amma move a little, but then she quickly stops. I stand still anyways, in case she moves again, but instead, a loud snore escapes from her.

I force myself not to laugh, smacking my hand over my face. Amma has some nerve to complain about Babuji's snoring, when hers is ten times worse!

Focus! Gotta get this done!

Bringing my attention back to the phone, I do what I came here for, then exit out of it, close it, lock her phone and put it back where I found it, then I carefully tiptoed my way out of the room. As soon as I'm out, I let out a heavy sigh.

It's a good thing my father's not a scoundrel - otherwise I would've taken pages out of Matilda's book!

*~*

Placing my wireless headphones on, I start my music and my morning run. I don't always do this, but I find that after a breakdown, running seems to help. I run through the neighborhood, passing all the fancy houses that kind of looked like mine. I pass a few familiar faces as I do, and wave at them as they wave at me. I then make my way to the park, going near the lake and running along it. Several other people pass by, all focused and motivated by their workout, and I continue to focus on mine.

About an hour later, I spot a picnic table and go to it. There's a water fountain on the way, so I get a quick drink, then go to the table. I sit myself down on the table, my feet resting on the bench. My chest heaves heavily as I catch my breath, so I relax, looking around at my surroundings. Other joggers passed by, some jogging along with their friends. There were even people just walking for their workout, or just walking and chilling with a friend.

When my heart finally calms, I reach down to the pocket of my leggings, unzip it, and take my phone out.

It's now or never.

I contemplate things one more time, then unlock my phone and make a call. It rings for a little and then the call goes through.

"Hello?"

I open my mouth to say something, but I struggle. Instead, I'm still breathing somewhat heavily, recovering from the run.

"Hello? Who is this?"

Fuck it, just do it!

"Hello," I finally said.

No response.

"Shalini Singh Raizada?"

I hear her gasp. "...Khushi?"

By the sound of her voice, I can tell I made her whole fucking day.

"You... you actually called. How are you? I've been praying for this!"

"I'm well," I respond.

"Am I safe to assume that... you've taken my words into consideration?"

I watch a person run by. "Not exactly."

Shalini doesn't say anything.

"I'd like to meet him."

"Oh? Well, why yes, of course! I'll let Chote know! In fact, I'll give him your number so he can contact you; better if he arranges things."

"Okay.... And another thing."

"Yes?"

"Don't call my mom."

For a moment, Shalini was silent. "I don't understand."

"I don't want her involved in any of this, so please, don't contact her, or anyone for that matter."

Again, she went quiet for a moment. "I don't know what it is you're exactly trying to do, Khushi, but... I will respect your request."

"Thank you."

"Of course, dove. As soon as Arnav returns from his workout, I'll let him know immediately so he can contact you."

"Okay."

"Okay! Hopefully we'll talk soon- oh! And Khushi?"

"Yes?"

"I'm very happy that you called me. I had been praying for this, nonstop, to happen."

My eyes widened at her words.

"I hope to talk to you soon, dove," and she hung up.

I glance at my phone before I put it back in my pocket. Then I lean back and lay on the table for a moment, gazing up at the clouds. 

It's probably wrong of me. Maybe I'm not thinking right. But after talking to Gomez, this was the only thing that made sense to me. That's why I decided to sneak into my parents room, memorize Shalini's phone number, then change a random digit so that way, even if Amma finally got the temptation to call her, she wouldn't be able to. Blocking her number or deleting her number would be to easy. ...no, I had to do it this way. Amma can't be involved anymore, none of them can be.

*~*

When I arrive home, I head straight upstairs to my room and grab another shower. Once I was done, I opted for my other robe, since the one from earlier was a soggy mess on the floor. I put my hair up in a towel, then pick up everything that's on the floor and toss it down the laundry chute. Then I make my way to my vanity to pick up my moisturizer, when I notice my phone, the screen being dimmed. Curious, I picked it up to see a text notification and was shocked even though I knew I shouldn't be.

Arnav Singh Raizada had texted me.

?: Hi Khushi, this is Arnav Singh Raizada

?: My mom gave me your number, she said you wanted to meet?

For some fucking reason, my heart is thumping. What the fuck is up with that?

I think I have text anxiety, like where you feel some type of way when you get a message and have to respond, and most people take their time and send a response hours later? Yeah probably that...? Oh what the fuck! I constantly reply to people I barely know at work, what the fuck! 

Schiesse!

First thing first, I save his number on my phone, then ignoring the thumping, I respond.

K: Hi Arnav. Yeah, I was hoping we could meet?

It isn't long until I get a response.

A: Are you unsure 😅 just asking because of the question mark lol

Well, would you look at that - Arnav Singh Raizada uses emojis.

K: No, I'm sure 

I debate on adding in a lol, and then end up doing it. Arnav responds immediately.

A: Ok great! 

A: Are you free this Saturday night?

This Saturday? That's quick! ...well maybe not exactly, it's only Tuesday.... I text him back.

K: Saturday works perfectly

A: Great! I'll text you the details soon 😊

I let out a sigh and put my phone down, then look at my reflection in the mirror.

"I'm actually doing this."