Warrior - Chapter Twenty Five

Although Arnav Singh Raizada and his parents had created such a wonderful masterpiece, it still needed to be tailored a little to fit along my body. Upon hearing the news, Shalini Singh Raizada didn't waste a moment, and came the following morning, along with some of her associates. Amma at first was a little stunned, but then quickly overcame herself and got us all in the living room. She brought my bridal wear down and had me change into it, then the ladies worked around me. Once they got the fittings down, I was allowed to change out of it, and the women took it away to get right down to work.

"It shouldn't take too long to get it done, so I'll be back then," Shalini smiled.

"Of course," Amma beamed.

Shalini smiled at her before turning to me. "I'll see you soon Khushi," and she gave me a hug, as well as one to Amma, then left.

I didn't hear anything else from her, but then again, I usually don't. It's Amma and her that usually stay in the loop together, then notify the rest of us.

Payal came down the stairs, putting a light jacket on. "Hey Di, do you wanna get coffee with me?"

"What, is the coffee at home not good enough," I teased.

She scoffs. "I wish! Then I wouldn't have any issues staying up tonight."

"Why do you need to stay up?"

"Because my group is a disaster and some people are not doing their part."

Ah yes! They typical situations of a group project.

Professors are absolute idiotic assholes for assigning group projects, let alone group projects as a final. For fucks sake, why should my biggest grade be dependent on someone else? It's like you dumbshits want to fail me on purpose and pull more money out of me.

"Come on squirt, I'll drive," I finally said.

"No jacket?"

I look down at the sweatshirt I'm wearing. "Nah I'm good," and we head out.

A quick drive later, we get to our favorite coffee shop, and Payal is adding a disgusting amount of espresso shots to her extra large coffee.

"Are you trying to stay up all night or for the rest of the week," I frowned.

"More like till the end of the semester," she shrugged.

Schiesse!

I paid for our coffee and goodies, then we headed outside to sit at one of the outdoor tables. Just as we sit down, however, Payal beams up.

"Di, look! It's Akash and NK across the street!"

I looked over my shoulder, and lo and behold, I see my two future cousin in-laws walking across the street. Payal calls out to them and they instantly look over. As soon as they see us, smiles cover their faces and they come over our way.

"Hey future-bhabi! Hey Payal," NK grinned.

"What's up," Akash asked.

"Not much, just getting high off of caffeine," Payal shrugged, waving her espresso concoction. 

"Let me guess, finals got you stressed out?"

"You have no idea," she groaned.

"Well I do," NK chuckled. "That's why we just cut some stress out at the gym."

"Don't you guys have a gym at home though," Payal frowned.

"We do," Akash chuckled with a shrug. "But when you're related to someone like Bhai, you get lots of bonus offers and perks, so why not take advantage of them?" 

Oh, I bet.

"Speaking of which, where is my future jeeju," Payal asked.

"He's been occupied at the office today. Something about stitching something and I don't know," NK frowned.

Stitching? "Stitching what," I asked.

"Not sure. But Pari Ma and Bade Pa were teasing about something before we came into the room."

"Uh... who?"

"Oh, that's what we call Nanav's parents."

Interesting. "I see.... Care to explain why you call him Nanav as well?"

"Smart choice to ask while Bhai's not around," Akash chuckled.

Huh?

"Really smart," NK chuckled. "You see, when Nanav was young, he couldn't say his name and would call himself Nanav anytime anyone asked him what his name was. Then I picked it up and the rest is history," he beamed.

Okay, well that does make sense.... But Arnav and his parents didn't live with the rest of the family for many years. Surely he learned to say his name by then so...? Then again, Arnav is 28, while NK is only 20, so it would make sense for a young NK to pick up the name and stick to it, but still....

There's still quite a number of things I have yet to understand - the full picture, if you will.

And I'm very keen to know the whole story.

Akash's phone vibrates and he takes a look at it. "NK, we better get going, we still gotta get our suits fixed up."

"Dressing up as proper gentlemen, huh," Payal teased.

"Well, we had our desi moment at the haldi," NK shrugged.

"Oh, by the way future-bhabi," Akash began, "we're so sorry for not making it to your haldi."

"Yeah future-bhabi, we're sorry," NK nodded. "We had a whole surprise performance planned and stupid Nanav ruined it."

Aren't they sweet. "It's okay guys," I smiled humbly.

"Aw, leave my future jeeju be," Payal frowned. "It's not his fault that he couldn't come to the reception."

"But it is his fault for keeping us from going," Akash scowled.

"Totally," NK scowled. "Like why ruin our fun just cause you can't see your future wife? Not cool!"

"I said it then, and I'll say it now," Akash said, crossing his arms. "Bhai is lovesick."

"I'll say," NK scoffed.

The corner of Payal's lips curved into a smirk and she looked at me. Baby sis can think what she wants, but there's no reaction coming out of me. I catch my two future cousin in-laws glancing at me as well, once realizing their words, but all I do is take a sip of my latte.

"Well, we better get going," Akash said. "It was nice seeing you guys!"

"Yeah," NK grinned. "See you guys at the wedding!"

Payal exchanged hugs with the two, which somewhat surprised me. It's a little strange how she's managed to have gotten close to the two - and yet I'm the one joining the family. The two of them turn to me as well, and I give them quick side hugs before they head off. Once they're gone, I look at baby sis.

"You've gotten quite close to them."

Payal shrugs in return, picking at her cookie. "I guess. Ever since we met them, we've been in touch somewhat. I just want to make sure they're good guys, you know? Give me like an insight to make sure future jij is actually a good guy."

My hands only pause for a fraction of a second as I lift my latte to my lips, but it goes unnoticed by Payal.

"Besides, they're really cool, you know. I think you'll have a lot of fun with them."

That, I already have an idea of.

"NK is pretty much a clown," she continued. "Akash is slightly more serious, and yet sensitive. You can really tell with his photography."

I eye baby sis really carefully, and unlike me, she doesn't have the skill of hiding things quick.

Well I'll be....

"Anyways, instead of inquiring me about your future in-laws, why don't you try to get to know them? You barely spoke to them and only cared to talk when future jeeju was involved," she smirked.

I only shrug and finish my latte. "Don't you have a project you should be raging over?"

"Ugh, don't remind me," and she rolls her eyes. "But you're right, we should get going."

Perfect.

~

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