Warrior - Chapter Fifty Nine

 The day continued on with more work and pizza. Nightfall fell and dinner had been completed. As I'm changing into my nightwear, memories of last night start to flood in my head once more - especially the events that had happened after the nightmare. Peeking out of the closet, I see that Arnav is on the phone with Aman, going over things for his upcoming trip.

"...that won't be an issue, I'll take care of that," Arnav said into his phone. "...yeah... yeah," and he let out a sigh. "There's no way I can skip out on this thing, huh?"

Skip out on? Why? Does he not want to go? But he mentioned wanting to get another tattoo- well, that's not work related so... so why- what's it to me anyways?!

This will actually be the first time in our marriage that Arnav would be away for a while. I mean I've pretty much seen him every day and every night ever since we got married. And for someone who was so pessimistic as soon as she entered this mansion- nay! For someone who was so pessimistic as soon as she entered this museum, always wondering how long it would be till she would go back to her parents' home, well... well....

Why do I feel conflicted? Not too conflicted but... I don't know... just... conflicted.

Mmm... I think this last episode has given me brain damage or something, I don't know. I don't normally think or... or feel- then again I haven't really been feeling much ever since that happened but....

Ugh! I need sleep! I can't with this fucked up head of mine!

Finishing up with my business, I stepped back into the room to see Arnav starting to prepare his make-shift bed.

"That won't be necessary."

Arnav paused and looked at me with shock and confusion. Meanwhile, I was stunned by own words.

Girl say what now?

"...what," Arnav blinked, as if bringing himself out of his own shock.

Oh, uh... uh... did I really just say that?

Yes, a voice said in my head.

What the fuck- focus!

I held my hands behind my back. "I said that won't be necessary," and I glanced away.

Arnav's shock remained on his face, the man looking absolutely confused.

Dammit, I really did say it! I said-! ...well... well, yeah, I did... I did say it.... And... and....

And I meant it.

Arnav cleared his throat, bringing my attention back on him to see him clearing his own head, the man blinking repeatedly.

You and me, both, mate.

"Uh... I, uh... uh," but Arnav seemed to not be able to find his words.

First the stuttering earlier in the day and now this. ...it's adorable!

"Arnav, it's no longer necessary for you to sleep on the floor."

"I-"

"I trust you."

It takes me a quick moment to realize not only the words that have just come out of my mouth, but the thought process as well.

One: did I really just claim Arnav to be adorable?

Two: did I really just say what I did?

Yes and yes, and that voice exclaimed.

Okay, seriously, what the fuck is that voice and where is it coming from? 

Arnav let out a sigh. "Khushi, I... I'm happy and... and honored that you trust me, but-"

"Anything and everything a person says before but is meaningless."

He tilted his head with a frown.

"Just saying," I shrugged.

"You know that's not always true."

"Maybe."

He frowned even more and just as he opened his mouth, I cut him off.

"I trust you, which is why I'm saying this; it's no longer necessary for you to sleep on the floor.  There's more than enough space on the bed, so it'll be just fine. Besides, you'd never touch me in that way."

Arnav crossed his arms and to be very honest, he looked exactly like a stubborn little boy, all frowning and shit.

Aww, how adorable!

"How do you even know," he said stubbornly, scowling.

Oh? This again?

Stepping over to him, I watched how his cheeks reddened as I moved closer to him - no doubt due to the velvet bandeau and shorts that I'm wearing. 

What? They're comfortable! And it's hot!

I stood in front of Arnav and watched him look around everywhere and anywhere but at me, his cheeks still rosy.

"You can't even look at me because I'm like half exposed in front of you." 

Arnav's eyes immediately met mine, his cheeks reddening even more.

"If you can't even look at me, how can you even expect to touch me," I smirked, looking him up and down.

The man's eyes widened, appearing quite flustered.

Who knew that the very man who could get others so flustered, could get this flustered himself?

Cute!

Leaning in closer, I placed a finger on his chest. Arnav's eyes darted down to it before looking back up at me.

"I said it earlier today and I'll say it again - you don't have a bad bone in your body," I stated, as a matter of fact.

Because I must admit, after being married for a little over a month, I have finally been able to figure it out for sure.

"You don't have it in you to do something inappropriate with me," I stated.

Arnav's eyes remained wide and he gulped. "Well... one never knows a person until they know a person."

Ah! A quote even I use and believe.

"True," and I tilted my head. "So know that if you do somehow prove me wrong and try to pull some shit like my motherfucking ex-husband, I won't hesitate to kill you."

Arnav didn't say anything, only looking at me for a moment, when his shock finally faded away. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you," he faintly smirked.

I only hummed in return and went to my side of the bed, getting comfy under the covers. Arnav still stood in his spot, watching me.

"Well, hurry up, I'm sleepy," I frowned.

"Uh, yeah," he nearly whispered.

He hesitated for another moment, then finally moved. He put the other sheets and duvet away, and set his pillow back on the bed. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he put it on the nightstand, then looked at the bed.

Oh, honestly.... "There's more than enough space Raizada, just pick a spot."

Arnav didn't say anything, but he did settle down on the bed, getting under the covers. There was way more than enough space between us - honestly another 6 people could probably sleep in between us. 

"Good night, Khushi."

"Good night, Arnav."

Arnav turned off the lights from his side, the room going dark and quiet. I expected for myself to fade into sleep immediately, especially since I was tired and drained out from last night, not to mention from the run this morning. But instead, I was staring up at the ceiling, my mind wandering.

Oh for fuck's sake....

"Why did you ask Aman if there was any way for you to skip out on your trip," I asked.

Arnav let out a small scoff. "So you heard that."

It wasn't a question so I remained quiet, waiting for an answer for mine.

"It's just... well... after what happened last night..."

My eyes instantly widened.

"...I just feel conflicted to leave-"

"You don't have to," I interjected.

"I-"

"The chances of another episode happening isn't so likely."

"Oh.... Are you sure? I mean you did say they don't necessarily happen according to a pattern."

"I know... but they won't happen so soon."

I won't let it happen.

"Oh... okay."

Sigh... don't be such a bitch, Khushi. "It's nice that you care so much."

"I always will."

Looking over at him, I see that he's looking over at me. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me for anything."

"No, I do - especially after last night."

"Khushi-"

"No, really. In the past, no one has ever seen me go through... go through that. Only Gomez has ever taken care of me, but only to a certain extent since I would handle most of it on my own. But what you did for me last night... I'll never forget it. So thank you."

He let out a small sigh, smiling softly. "You're welcome."