Warrior - Chapter Thirty One

It wasn't long before my other in-laws finally came down and joined us for breakfast. Whatever food had gotten cold was heated up, and the family dynamic around me only added up. I didn't say much unless necessary, mainly observing the people around me. It became clear rather quickly that the love these people shared for one another, was in fact, very genuine.

"By the way Pari Ma," NK began, "what's this function that's going on later today?"

Another function? Well, given past experience, I have a hunch I know what it is.

"We'll be having friends and relatives come over to bless Khushi," Shalini Singh Raizada smiled. "All of the ladies will be coming by."

"Are we getting kicked out of this," Akash frowned.

"No, there's no issue in you boys staying. You can keep Chote company while everyone gives their attention to Khushi."

All on me huh? Yay.

"Sure," Akash shrugged lightly. "Though I have to ask, is this really necessary?"

"Yeah," NK agreed. "I mean we just saw these people yesterday," he frowned.

"It's tradition," Varsha replied.

"But it's so weird," Akash frowned.

"It's something you boys just don't understand," Maira chuckled lightly.

Akash and NK simply looked at each other and then shrugged. "If you say so," they both said together.

"Splendid," Shalini beamed. "We have a few hours before the decorators arrive and fix up the ballroom. Then the guests will slowly arrive and I want each of you boys to be ready on time, understood?"

Arnav, Akash, and NK nodded.

"Have you given Khushi her sari," Maira asked Shalini.

"Oh-! I almost forgot! How could I-? Khushi, come upstairs with me, you're going to love the sari I chose for you."

Excitement was ever so evident on Shalini's face and I just simply nodded. The family slowly dispersed and as I followed Shalini out, I glanced over at Arnav to see him looking at me with a small, loving smile.

Well that's different.

I followed Shalini out of the dining room and followed her upstairs. We headed right and walked down the halls, then reached her bedroom. She opened the door and led me inside, and as soon as we walked past the small gallery, I spotted a large portrait of Aryan and Shalini Singh Raizada hanging over their bed, both embracing each other as they gazed into each other's eyes. The love that they had for each other was crystal clear, just like the way you would see it in real life. 

"Caught the photo, huh," Shalini chuckled lightly.

Kind of hard to miss when it's smacked right in front of you.

"Aryan insisted on us getting our photo taken that day. He wanted to recreate our wedding photo," she smiled.

I looked at her in confusion and she pointed behind me. Turning around, I see another picture of a 15 year old Aryan and a 15 year old Shalini. Unlike in the other photo where Shalini was completely decked out, in the old one, she barely had any jewelry. All she had on in the old photo was a small gold necklace around her neck, as well as her mangalsutra, and some tiny, dangling gold earrings. She was beaming with love and delight, gazing up at her husband, and Aryan looked back at her with the same adoration. Between the old picture and the new one, it was evident that love was still there, perhaps even more now.

"Here you are Khushi, your sari," I heard Shalini say.

I bring my attention back to her and see a scarlet red sari in her hands, which she's holding out for me.

"Well don't be shy, it's all yours," she chuckled lightly.

I took hold of the sari, which honestly, is very beautiful. 

"The blouse should fit you just fine, I had it altered when we fixed up your bridal wear, which by the way, you looked absolutely stunning in!"

I simply shrugged in return. "It was a very beautiful piece."

"Maybe... but you're even more beautiful."

I can't help but to widen my eyes slightly. Shalini smiled at me and then she stepped forward, caressing my cheek within her hand.

"I always wished for a daughter," she said softly. "And now I finally have one."

Woman say what now?

"Now go on then, off you go! Once you get changed, meet me at the top of the stairs; I've got another surprise for you."

Pinching my lips together, I nodded, then left the room and headed to my new one.

What the fuck was that about? And what the fuck? She's already claiming me as her daughter? Girl, you don't even know me and yet... what the fuck?

I returned to my new room and as I go to the closet to change, I spot my little red pouch on the table that I had been using yesterday, though mainly Payal was in charge of it since it got in the way of photos. Remembering that my phone is inside, I pulled it out and see a text from Payal, as well as a text from Arnav.

Payal, I'll get back to later, but I'm curious to know what my new husband had texted me. Going to it, I realized that he had sent it even before I had woken up.

A: Good morning Khushi 🙂 didn't want to wake you but just wanted to let you know I'm going out with Akash and NK to play ball. See you later!

I stared at the text for a moment.

He let me know where he was going? But-

The door to the room opened and my head quickly whipped around to see Arnav. As soon as his eyes land on me, they fill with concern.

"Are you okay," he asked.

I hear my heart thump in my chest but I shake my head anyways. "I'm fine."

But the look of concern remains and he walked over to me, and had me sit down. He poured some water for me into a glass then held it out to me. At first I just stared at it in return, but then thankfully take it. I drink about half of the glass before setting it down.

"Better," Arnav asked softly.

I nodded in return, looking down at the sari sitting in my lap.

"Do you want to talk to me about it?"

Do I?

I remained quiet, glancing away.

"Khushi, you looked absolutely terrified when I opened the door. I've never seen that look on your face, so I am concerned," he said, keeping his tone soft.

I looked back over at him and see that he is genuinely concerned.

Dammit! Why did it even have to happen in the first place? Why couldn't you control it Khushi?!

"I got scared," I sighed with annoyance, though it's directed at myself, not him.

"Scared? How come," Arnav frowned.

"I... it's just... I don't know."

I don't say anything for a moment and Arnav doesn't push me either. It takes a moment for me to understand myself, and then I let out another sigh.

"Ever since that happened... I stayed alone in my own room, I always felt safe there. Anytime anyone needed me, they knocked on the door since most of the time I would leave the door locked. I don't know why, but having it locked always made me feel safer."

Arnav pursed his lips, nodding. "I see.... Well, I apologize for not knocking-"

"Don't be ridiculous," I exclaimed, my eyes snapping to his. "It's your room, you shouldn't have to knock to get in your own room."

"I-"

"No, I've already kicked you off of your own bed, I'm not gonna have you knocking to get into your own room just because my heart is jumpy and terrified!"

"It doesn't have to be."

"No, it doesn't, and I'll toughen it up on my own," and I looked away.

Arnav doesn't say anything for a moment and then he lets out a sigh. "Okay."

I hear him stand up and without realizing it, my hand shoots out on it's own and grabs him, getting his wrist. I'm sure Arnav is looking at me in confusion; I don't have to look at him to know because I'm confused myself.

Why did I do that?

Finally, I spoke. "Arnav, I.... it's just going to take me a moment to get used to this change. I've been on my own for two years when it comes to dealing with this shit, it's going to take me a moment."

"I know," he said softly, and he placed his other hand over mine, giving it a squeeze.

I looked back over at him and he crouched down so that he's at eye level with me.

"But I want you to know that if you do ever need support, then I'm here for you - always. I promised you that I would protect you, no matter what, and I intend on keeping that promise."

Gazing into his eyes, I see that his words are genuine, and I loosened my grip on his wrist.

"I just need to get used to the fact that I share a room, now," I sighed.

"If locking the door makes you feel more comfortable, you can do that. Though my family never comes barging in, they always knock."

I nodded in acknowledgement. "I'll think about that. First, I just need to get used to having a roommate."

Arnav smiled his small, polite smile. "I promise you I'm not so bad, roomie."

I looked him up and down. "Really?"

"Really," he grinned back. "I mean I don't invite friends over at a late time nor party till the sun comes up, so you're in some real luck."

I can't help but to laugh a little, and when I see the way Arnav smiles at me, my thumping heart completely calms and is no longer scared.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with someone damaged like me," I said lowly.

"You're not damaged, Khushi. Just misunderstood."

His words slightly stun me, and Aryan's and Shalini's words from this morning come flooding back into my mind. Arnav gave my hand a squeeze, then got up to go away, when he paused once more.

"Khushi, would you feel better if I locked the door at night," he asked.

I snapped back to reality and looked at him. My eyes darted to the door and then back to him.

Last night, I hadn't even thought about it. But on a regular basis....

"Yes," I finally answered.

Arnav nodded with a gentle smile. "No problem. Oh, you better start getting ready; there's no knowing what mom's got up her sleeve and I'm sure she's oozing with excitement."

I remembered why I have the sari in my hand and nod, then get up and head to the bathroom. I quickly got ready and placed my other clothes in the closet, then stepped back into the room. I don't see Arnav until I spot him outside on the balcony. I walked over to the door and watched him talk on the phone. He looks rather serious, his brows slightly furrowed as he spoke into his phone, his left hand resting in the pocket of his sweats.

Why does he have to hide it-? Why do I even care?!

"I want all the details, Aman," Arnav said into the phone, snapping me back to reality.

He hangs up and turns around, and spots me by the door. I can see the way his eyes widen, and he looks me up and down.

"You look beautiful," he said softly.

It's definitely not the way he looked at me yesterday in my bridal wear, but it definitely comes close enough to it. Actually, it reminds me of when he first saw me during our dinner meeting.

I can't help but to snort. "I haven't even done my makeup yet."

"You're still beautiful, anyways," and he smiled his small, polite smile. "But on the topic of makeup, you won't have to worry about that."

I tilted my head with a frown. "What do you mean?"

He shakes his head from side to side. "I'm not sure if I'm the best person to tell, especially since Mom's got something up her sleeve.... Best if you go see her now."

Huh?

I continue to look at Arnav in confusion but he only smiles at me in return.

So I guess I should just go to Shalini then?

"Um... okay," I finally said, and I head off to meet her.

What's my new mama in-law up to?