Warrior - Chapter Forty Six

 It truly is a fucking good feeling to be sitting at my desk again. I feel as if I'm back on familiar ground and nothing has changed at all! It's still the same thing with Ivy, going over business. It's still the same thing of me sitting at my desk, dealing with paperwork, emails, and phone calls. It's still the same flow of video conferences in the meeting room.

Oh yeah, I'm fucking back baby!

The day actually goes by fairly quickly, and I'm on my lunch before I even know it. Ivy and I are in the meeting room, having finished with today's video conference, so we decided to just eat our lunch here, which Ivy had gotten prior to when the meeting had started.

Her and I were discussing some things, when my phone vibrated from a text message.

A: How's the first day back going?

Oh?

K: I've been so preoccupied I barely noticed the day go by lol you?

A: Same

A: I just finished up with a meeting, which felt like a bit of a stretch, but otherwise the day's been going by quickly

K: I thought you said your meeting was at 11?

A: There was another one at 1

A: A whole bunch of Arani stuff

K: Oh! That sounds exciting! Is it for the new line?

A: For the upcoming winter launch, yeah

I can't help but to remember the images from their fashion show I had seen back in March, displaying the upcoming Winter line. At the time, I could only hope to someday get exclusives for our site, and now here we are.

Speaking of which-

A: By the way, how's your blog site doing?

Well, would you look at that! The badass, tattooed CEO beat me to it.

K: You just read my mind

A: 🤓🧠😏

K: 😂

A: 😁

He really is something else, isn't he?

A: You still haven't answered btw

Oh?

K: Oh? Curious about your 10 percent claim? 😏

A: 🤔

K: Lol you'll find out soon enough

A: 😃

A: I'm gonna go get lunch, did you eat?

K: Yeah, Ivy got me a wrap and we're eating now

A: Okay, enjoy your lunch 🙂 see you at 5!

Placing my phone down, I see that there's a ghost of a smile on Ivy's face.

"What's so funny," I asked, arching my brow.

"Nothing at all, Ma'am," she replied.

"Explain the smile then."

Her smile only grew. "It's nothing."

But I only continued to arch my brow at her, my expression making it clear I wasn't buying that crap.

"It's just nice to see you like this," she smiled, rolling her eyes playfully.

Huh? "Like what?"

"Like... like this. I don't really know how to describe it."

I can't help but to look at her as if she were some oddball, but Ivy only shrugs.

"Oh! By the way Ma'am, has Mr. Raizada made any mention of the blog?"

"Funnily enough, he just did. But I haven't told him much yet, though I'm sure he's curious given his ten percent," I smirked. "But no worries, we've got him, and Rupam will have the ultimate exclusives."

Although it hasn't actually been solidified, Rupam was the title we had in mind for now. Given that it meant beauty and we were about all things fashion related, which also included beauty, it made sense to go with that. Payal definitely liked it, that's for sure. 

I guess we'll test it with a focus group and see if they like it.

"Do you think the site will be ready in time for the Summer launch," Ivy asked.

"Given that Arani does their show in September and we're only in May? I have a feeling we will. Heck, we could launch the site with that exclusive if all goes well."

Ivy beamed with delight and I couldn't help my own smile. This was something we were really looking forward to and have so much hopes over. Even baby sis does!

And I can't wait for it to launch!

*~*

It's 5 o'clock, and after having a successful day, I left the office with a smile. Riding the elevator down, I headed on outside and found the Black Badge at the curb, Arnav waiting outside.

Huh... I wasn't expecting them to be this quick.

I made my way towards him and Arnav notices me once I'm close by.

Arnav flashed that small, polite smile of his. "Have a good day?"

"Exceptional! You?"

"Fantastic," he smiled.

Arnav opened the door for me and I got in the car. He then went around and got in, and Dev drove us back to Raizada mansion. When we arrived, Shalini Singh Raizada greeted us, then we headed on upstairs to our room. Being the gentleman that he is, Arnav had me wash up and change first, and then he went. Once we were all comfy, we headed downstairs and joined the others in the den, talking about our day, though I didn't talk as much and listened more. Somehow, time just passed by like whatever, and soon enough it was dinner time, so we all headed to the dining room, the vibe remaining, and when dinner was complete everyone wished each other good night and headed to their rooms.

Arnav made his make-shift bed on the floor and laid down. "I promise I won't make you wake up early like I did today."

"Word? I'll hold you to it."

Arnav let out a small chuckle. "I promise."

"Hmm. Good night."

"Good night."

We both settled into our beds and I turned the lights off.

And so, the first official routine day is complete and I have to say... it wasn't so bad. I was expecting some type of awkwardness or whatever, but hey, there was none of that shit whatso-fucking-ever.

Good... let's just hope it stays that way.

*~*

To my surprise, things did continue to stay that way, every morning having gone just as routinely as the day before. And now, here we are on Friday, and I cannot fucking wait to hit the golf course!

I opt for another black golf dress, only this one is sleeveless and has a cinchable waist with a drawcord. As I'm putting my hair up in a ponytail, Arnav comes out of the closet and is a little surprised when he sees me.

"Oh, you're going golfing today?"

Oh wait, I should've mentioned this before, huh? Especially given that we've been going to work together these past few days.

"My bad, I should've mentioned it. I'm just not used to-"

"It's okay, Khushi," he smiled softly.

I pinched my lips together, glancing down.

"It's a good thing your cars came in yesterday."

Yes, that indeed is true, and I've fucking missed driving my Aston Martin!

"Also-"

Suddenly Arnav's phone began to ring, and the both of us frowned at it as Arnav picked up his phone.

"Huh, it's Aman," Arnav murmured.

"Guess he couldn't wait," I shrugged.

"Guess not, excuse me while I take this. I'll see you downstairs."

Arnav took the call and headed to the balcony, and I headed out the room. Walking down the halls, I'm almost at the staircase, when I noticed my mama in-law and papa in-law embracing each other from the corner of my eye. Both were downstairs in the foyer, so neither had noticed me, especially since they were in their love bubble once again.

Well, would you look at that!

I leaned against the bannister, watching them.

Shalini Singh Raizada pulled back from Aryan Singh Raizada. "Okay, you've held me for long enough, now let go."

"That was not enough jaaneman," Aryan frowned.

"It never is," and she rolled her eyes.

"Hmm, now we're talking."

Papa in-law leaned into mama in-law, but mama in-law pushed him back.

"Jaaneman-!"

"You are a father in-law now, behave yourself," she tried to scold.

Papa in-law scoffed. "Sure, like that's supposed to stop me."

"Aryan-"

"Jaaneman, please. If our bahu were to see us like this, she'd only applaud us."

You're not wrong about that papa in-law. Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!!

"But-"

"Besides," he continued, "what's wrong with me romancing my wife?"

"We're in the foyer," she frowned.

"Never stopped us before," he shrugged.

Oh word? Okay mama and papa in-law! Okay!

Shalini Singh Raizada smacked his shoulder lightly, but Aryan Singh Raizada wasn't fazed at all.

"Naughty," she scolded.

"Baby, I can show you naughty upstairs if you'd like."

While Shalini gasps and hits Aryan's shoulder lightly again, I hold back a snort, clapping my hand over my lips, keeping myself composed.

Holy fuck, this is so entertaining!!

"You have no shame nor control," Shalini tried to scold once more.

Aryan shrugged in return. "Only because I love you so much."

Shalini instantly mellowed out, placing her hands on his chest. "You'll never change."

"Never."

And then the most surprising thing of all happened - mama in-law kissed papa in-law! And I mean straight up, caressing-his-cheek and pulling-him-in type of kiss!

What the fuck!

I mean sure, I knew the love and romance between the two oozed the fuck out of them, it was always evident and obvious! But making out like two teenagers in the middle of the foyer?

Okay mama in-law! Get that kiss! Get your manz!!

Pulling away from him, Shalini fixed the collar of Aryan's polo. "Don't spend too much time out there."

"I could just stay home if you'd like."

"No, work comes first, you have responsibilities."

"But-"

"No buts, I said what I said."

"Fine," he huffed.

Aryan went to leave, but mama in-law quickly stopped him and whispered in his ear. Whatever she said had papa in-law smirking - even mama in-law was smirking!

"Those two are something else."

Looking away from the couple, I find Arnav behind me, shaking his head.

"They're adorable," I gushed.

"To you."

I can't help but to roll my eyes. "Oh come on!"

But Arnav doesn't respond, making his way downstairs, and I followed after him.

"Really guys," he said, bringing his parents attention to him.

At first they just notice him, but when they noticed me, Shalini Singh Raizada tried to pull away from her hubby.

"Oh please, don't stop on my account," I smirked, waving my hand. "You guys are so fucking cute!"

Aryan looked over at his wife with a smirk. "See?"

Shalini scowled at him, trying to free herself once more - not that papa in-law was letting her go.

"Carry on," I teased, and Arnav and I headed to the dining room.

"I think that's the first time mom's actually been embarrassed about being caught," Arnav said as he took his seat.

"Nonsense! She has nothing to be embarrassed about! Especially since most people her age have cobwebs spinning in the romance department."

Arnav rolled his eyes with a grin and I only shrugged.

Hey, I'm not wrong. If mama in-law is still getting some, well then get it girl! Not everyone is that lucky.

The workers came in, placing food on the table.

"So, excited-"

"G'morning beautiful people," NK beamed, taking a seat.

"Good morning. Someone seems quite chipper today," I frowned, tilting my head.

I mean sure, NK's always in good spirits, but it seems to be a bit more today.

"That can only mean one thing," Arnav said.

"Oh?"

"He won today."

Huh. "Is that so?"

Just then, Akash came in, taking a seat. "Morning everyone."

Seriously? "You did lose, didn't you?"

Akash gaped at me and Arnav.

I looked over at Arnav. "Do they actually get that upset over losing a game?"

"Only when there's a bet involved."

Ah! I see.... "Intersting."

"Thanks Bhai," Akash huffed.

Arnav only smirked in return. Soon enough, the elders came in, all of us having breakfast. At around 8 o'clock, Arnav and I were getting ready to leave, when his phone started ringing again.

Again? "Well someone sure is busy this morning."

"Only an indication that today will be a pain," Arnav huffed, then looked at me. "At least you'll be enjoying yourself."

"That I will," I smirked.

Arnav chuckled lightly in return. "Have fun."

"Thanks. Try not to be in pain, it's Friday!"

Arnav rolled his eyes with a grin and took the call. I headed on outside, and when Dev saw me, I asked him to bring my Aston Martin forward. Moments later, my baby came rolling up, and I happily went into my car and drove off, feeling the wind in my hair.

Fucking perfect! Today's gonna be a good day, I can just feel it!