Warrior - Chapter Twenty Four

With the end of our haldis came the end of Payal's spring break. But not only was it the end of her spring break, but NK's as well. Both had their finals coming up in three weeks, and since I didn't want baby sis to have any distractions, I told Amma to have the wedding as soon as possible. One can easily imagine how shocked yet ecstatic she was, but I was only concerned about baby sis' education. It may be her last semester, but that still didn't give space for poor grades. I had texted Arnav Singh Raizada about this, and he understood my concerns, and agreed with me.

So what does this mean? It means that this Saturday, I'll become a wife once more.

The wife of Arnav Singh Raizada.

Oddly, the days are going by with ease. I expected more flashbacks of my last wedding to come across my mind, but none came. Instead, it stayed focused in the present, which was a bit surprising.

On Tuesday night, a special delivery from Raizada mansion arrived.

My wedding outfit.

Amma pretty much lost her head and nearly made their driver go deaf with her squeals. Fortunately, Babuji saved the man, taking hold of the gift-wrapped box and going into the living room. Amma finally recovered, thanked the Raizada's driver, and he left. Amma then came dashing into the living room, Payal and I just watching the comedy before us.

Payal nudges me lightly and leans into me. "She's nuts," she muttered.

I look at her. "You're only realizing this now?"

Both of us snicker and watch as Babuji placed the box down on the coffee table. Amma goes over to his side and rubs her hands together with excitement like a child on Christmas morning.

"Let's open it," and she goes to reach forward.

However, Babuji quickly stopped her. "Uh, don't you think Khushi should be the one to open it?"

Amma frowns at first, but then her face lights up. "Of course! Khushi, come," she waved me over.

"Uh-"

"Di, you should totally do it," Payal exclaimed, cutting me off. "I'll even record your reaction, I bet aunty will love it!"

That's if I even give the right kind of reaction.

With a sigh, I got up and went over to the box. Amma and Babuji stepped aside and I see that baby sis has taken her phone out, holding it up.

Just so you know, I'm not faking anything. If its crap, you're gonna get a crap reaction, end of.

"Just a minute," Payal murmured, tapping on her screen. "And... go!"

I shake my head at her, Amma chuckling besides me. I then turned my attention back to the red box before me, which is adorned with a golden bow. Taking the lid off, I placed it aside, Payal moving closer to me. There's tissue paper covering the top, so I moved that aside as well, and I'm instantly stunned.

"Holy fuck," I gasped.

Dazed, I pick up the red choli that is gleaming at me, with its impressive and enchanting embroidery and stone work. I hear Amma and Payal gasp, Amma coming beside me. I hand it over to her, then reach down and pick up the lehenga, which has me absolutely stunned by how much more impressive it is!

"Geez-us fuck," I gasped.

"Khushi," Amma scolded beside me.

But I don't care, still stunned by the skirt before me.

"Looks like Di approves," and Payal comes dashing over, still recording.

"Where's the dupatta," Amma asked.

I pass over the lehenga to Amma, who has already handed the choli over to Babuji. Once she has it, I reached in and pulled out the beautiful red dupatta, which glistens in the light from all of the work that is spread all over it.

"It's beautiful," I murmured.

Holy shit, I wasn't expecting this! What the fuck?!

"Di, there's a note inside."

I looked down into the box - squirt's right. I picked the card up, which turns out to be from none other than Shalini Singh Raizada, herself. 

Dear Khushi,
I really do hope that you like your bridal wear. Ever since Aryan got his place back in the family company and started Arani, him and I started working on this special piece. It was something that we knew would be destined for that special woman who would come into our Chote's life. As the years went on and Chote got older, he joined us in our little project.
There is a piece of me in here, a piece of Aryan, and a piece of Arnav as well.
We do hope you love it

~Shalini

Wow, um... well, clearly this isn't a little project, as she liked to put it.

"Di, there's more words on the back."

I turned the card around.

P.S - there's a few hidden secrets in the dupatta ;)

Huh?

I placed the note down and held out the dupatta before me. I glance around it, taking note of the design, when my eyes spot a heart, within it saying A+K.

Payal must've noticed it as well because she mutters "oh shit!"

Oh shit indeed.

But Shalini said few hidden secrets, so I continue to look around. My eyes scam over the dupatta and I manage to spot another surprise - my name. It's written in cursive, looking very impressive in its stitch work.

"Oh my gosh, Di," Payal gasped.

Even Amma and Babuji gasp besides me.

I continue to look through it, and within the intricate designs, I spot my mother's, my father's, and my sister's names.

"Oh my gosh," Amma gasped besides me, mixed with a small sob.

I feel a rush of emotions within me but hold myself together. Instead, I continue to look through the dupatta for anything else, when my eyes land on a word.

Warrior

I take in a sharp breath staring at the word. Everyone else besides me notices it as well.

"Warrior? Why," Payal frowned.

Where's my phone?

I hand everything over to Amma and dash over to the study. She calls out after me, but I don't stop, going straight into the study. I find my phone on my desk and pick it up, and quickly dial Arnav's number. It rings for a few, when finally he picks up.

"Hello-"

"Who put the word there," I asked.

Arnav doesn't say anything at first, staying silent. Moments later, he lets out a sigh.

"So you saw it," he said softly.

"Who put it there?"

"I did. All of the hidden stuff on the dupatta was done by me- well, the heart with the initials was mom's idea," he chuckled nervously.

He-? What? I find myself frowning. "Why?"

"I wanted to make it special for you. It's been something special between me, my mother, and my father for years. But since it solely belongs to you, I thought I'd make it a little more special for you."

I stay quiet for a moment. I understand the heart thing, as well as my name and my family's names being on it, but....

"Why warrior? Why put that in," I asked, my voice almost a whisper.

"Because I think you are one," he responded, his tone matching mine.

I take in a sharp breath.

"You're strong, Khushi. I know you are. And I know you're a warrior."

I pursed my lips together and walked back towards the living room. From a distance, I see Amma, Babuji, and Payal marvel over my bridal wear, all shocked and happy by it.

"Did you like it," Arnav asked softly.

"It's too beautiful," I replied, my tone matching his, and I turn away and lean against the wall.

"I'm glad you like it," and something in my traumatized heart tells me that he's smiling his small, polite smile.

"I love it," I nearly whispered.

I hear Arnav take in a sharp breath. "I'm very happy to hear that. Mom and Dad will be very happy to hear it."

"Did the three of you really work on it?"

"We did; for many years we worked on it, especially my parents."

"A one of a kind," I murmured.

"Just for you."

"But am I worthy of it," and suddenly, I'm overwhelmed with emotions, my eyes stinging slightly.

"More than you could ever know," I hear him say, making me take in a sharp breath.

"Don't ever doubt yourself," he continued, softly.

I pinch my lips together, forcing my emotions to stay at bay.

"I can't wait to see you on Saturday," he murmured.

I hum in response, and we both hung up.

I glanced up at the ceiling. "Holy fuck."