Warrior - Chapter Fifty

 After the bizarre dream I had of Arnav Singh Raizada and I... nyeh-ing, I decided to not bring up the topic of... nyeh anymore. I didn't care about making Arnav blush anymore, that would just happen on its own anyways whenever he caught me showing skin, and you know what, if he wants to be a baby about it, go ahead! I'm not going to care!

As the weeks go on, I started to discover some more things about this museum which is now my home, such as the large home movie theater that they have in the basement. I mean seriously, who needs to go to the theaters when you've got a set up like this? With nice and comfy reclining seats, with no worries of someone's head blocking the screen, and all the popcorn, munchies, and drinks available without worrying about paying a dime? 

Fuck yeah, I love it! I mean sure, back at my parents' place we have one too, but the Raizada's one is way more colossal than ours!

Along with the theater, there was a gaming room, which pretty much was a private arcade. However, unlike arcades, there was a playstation, a xbox, nintendo systems, and so on. Sure, there was a playstation upstairs in mine and Arnav's room, and having seen the boys' rooms as well, game systems each being in their rooms, I guess having one to share was necessary to have. Actually, there was one night where Shalini Singh Raizada played Just Dance with Maira and Varsha Singh Raizada and let me tell you - it was not an eyesore to watch. Actually, it turned out to be very entertaining, especially when Aryan Singh Raizada stepped in.

There's actually been quite a few entertaining moments like this. This family, no matter what, just somehow always manages to be loving and wholesome. They all get along so well and their love for each other runs very deep. It makes me think of the old demon Manosh Singh Raizada, actually. I mean he tried so hard to get rid of his eldest son and hoped for his son to fall weak. Meanwhile, his wife Aarohi Singh Raizada only loved her family and wanted them to be together and happy. Sure, the old demon failed, but it makes me wonder how deeply this family's love ran when they were apart. I mean Aryan and Shalini were living separately with Arnav when Firouz Singh Raizada got married, as well as when Madhav Singh Raizada got married. Two new members joined the family, and then eventually another two when these couples each had a kid, so how did they all manage to get along? Would they go over to visit Aryan, Shalini, and Arnav? I can't even imagine the old demon Manosh being okay with that. Then again, the old demon loved his wife very much based on what I've recently learned... so did he melt to Aarohi's words? 

This I want to know.

Unfortunately, it would have to wait tonight because tonight would be the first event I would attend as a Raizada. Apparently there was some gala that the Raizada's would attend every first of June, where they would place bids on auction pieces, as well as auction some pieces of their own, and the money would all go to a charity that would help support children in need. This event is something the Raizada's have been going to for the past several years, so naturally they would be attending it this year as well, and since I'm now a part of the family, it's only natural that I would be going as well. 

Question is, what do I wear?

The answer came sooner rather than later, Mama in-law taking me out for shopping, along with the other aunty in-laws. I must admit, seeing the way these ladies shopped reminded me of women half their age. I mean heck, it's like how Payal and I would be sometimes. I guess given the way I saw them behave all that time back after my wedding when we were in the glam room, should've made it not so surprising, but regardless, it was. They all did little fashion shows, trying on dresses and showing the others, getting comments and criticisms of each dress. They even did that with me, until finally we all each found a dress for ourselves.

And so the night of June 1st came and I put on my strapped emerald green dress, which had a high slit and ruching on the left waist. It also had a plunging neckline and a low v-back, the dress hugging me perfectly as if it were another layer of skin. Sure, I was very shocked when Maira chose this dress for me, and even more shocked when the three elder Raizada ladies shrieked with delight when they saw me try it on. But seeing my reflection in the mirror, I must admit, those Raizada women were right!

With my makeup done, thanks to the makeup artists my mother in-law had brought it, I was pretty much ready to go. All that's left is for me to put on my emerald earrings, as well my necklace-

"Whoa."

Turning around, I find Arnav gaping at me, looking quite stunned. It's a look I've seen before, that's for sure, but something about is a bit off. Like the time he first saw me at dinner, something had flickered in his eyes, but not exactly in the same way. 

I wonder why- what the fuck? What the hell kinda question is that?!

"You look amazing," Arnav finally said.

"Thanks. So do you."

And he really does, looking like the superior business man he is in his gray suit and... emerald tie and emerald pocket square?

"Did you buy that," I frowned, pointing at his tie.

"No, Ma got it for me and said that I should wear it..."

Clever, mama in-law... very clever.

"...I guess now I know why."

I glanced down at my dress. "Yeah...."

You are something else mama in-law - something else indeed.

Throwing the thought out of my head, I quickly put my earrings on while Arnav went to the bedside table to get his phone, which was on charge. Then I went to put my necklace on, bringing my hair over my shoulder. But for some fucking reason, I couldn't get the damn fucking clasp on!

Would you clasp on already?!

"Need help?"

Looking through the mirror, I find Arnav looking at me. Just as I'm about to tell him no thanks, however, we hear a knock at the door.

"Chote, Khushi, we'll be leaving in five minutes," we heard Shalini say.

"We'll be down soon," Arnav called out.

"Okay! I don't want us to be late!"

Arnav looked back at me and I looked at him, still in the same position to get my damn necklace on.

Oh what the fuck!

"Sure,"I finally said.

Arnav pursed his lips, which has me rather intrigued. Something in his eyes tells me that maybe it had been a slip of the tongue when he offered to help.

Is it really? Cause his eyes show some regret.

Making his way to me, Arnav stood behind me. He looked at my reflection in the mirror, as if he were asking for permission, so I nodded. Arnav then took hold of the necklace as I let go of it and he hooked the clasp onto the other part while I held the necklace in place.

"Thanks."

"No problem. I wonder why they design these things to be such a tiny fit," he frowned.

"Got me," I shrugged.

As Arnav let go of the necklace, his fingers brushed against my neck, causing the both of us to freeze. His eyes immediately widened, as did mine, and while his cheeks slightly reddened, I only felt my body go rigid.

Relax, relax, relax! It's only Arnav, it was only by accident, relax, relax, relax!!

"Khushi, I'm-"

"Don't. Just...just step away."

Arnav did as I said but he kept his eyes on me as he took three steps back. My hand, which was still over my necklace, slightly gripped onto it as I tried to calm myself down.

It's okay, Khushi, it's okay. It was just an accident, it was just Arnav, no need to panic! There's. No. Need. To. Panic. None. At. All!

Taking in a deep breath, I let it all out.

It's okay, it was just Arnav. It's only Arnav, just the guy who you've been married to for a month and a few days, who has never done anything to you yet- no! Don't think like that! Don't. Think. Like. That!

"...Khushi?"

Looking up in the mirror, I see that Arnav is very concerned, his worry clear in his eyes.

See! Even he's worried, he didn't mean it. It's okay! It's okay....

Straightening my spine, I let out a sigh. "We should get going."

"Okay," he nodded slightly.

Picking up my shawl that I had placed over the armchair, as well as my clutch, I went to my bedside table and picked up my phone. Arnav held the door open for me and we walked out, finding the rest of the clan downstairs in the foyer.

"Oh my gosh, don't they look wonderful," Shalini gushed.

Shalini tried to come towards us, but then for some reason, she stops. I notice the way that she's looking at Arnav, and casting a glance at him, I see a warning look in his eyes. When I look back at Shalini, she only beams at us, which makes me slightly confused.

Knowing how she is, I'm sure she was coming over to hug us, but did Arnav warn her not to with his eyes? Because of what just happened upstairs?

When we reached the others, Shalini simply smiled at me. "You look absolutely gorgeous," she said softly.

"Thank you. And thanks for the dress."

"Anytime and always. Now then, let's get going everyone!"

While the others stepped outside, I purposely waited for the others to get out before turning to Arnav when we were alone.

"You didn't have to do that," I said.

"Do what," Arnav replied.

"You know what."

"I-"

"I'm fine."

Arnav pursed in his lips and nodded. "Shall we?"

Without answering, I turned around and we walked out the door.

For the love of all things holy, I really hope that this night will go well.