Warrior - Chapter Sixty

 For the next three weeks, I didn't have any other nightmares. Given the last one had only been a month apart from the one before it, I'm not all that worried that another one will happen again. Sure, the one prior to that was three weeks before it, but I'm not going to let that get to my head.

Nope, I'm going to keep a clear mind, not think about shit that could potentially trigger me, and just focus on myself and work - and of course the people around me. 

In the span of this time, I made sure to give Amma a piece of my damn mind for showing Arnav those photos. Amma had said that I was overreacting and that it was cute.

Like hell!

Akash had later on gone to his shoot, and had seen Payal there for whatever reason I didn't care to pay attention to. Do I think that maybe something could be going on between those two? Sure, there's a possibility - squirt isn't exactly a toddler. But do I care? No, not really. Because I know baby sis very well enough, and if and when she finds someone serious and is in something serious, she will come to me herself and tell me - and only then will I put my nose in her business - unlike how my family does things.

Firouz Singh Raizada's birthday came, and like Arnav had said before, him and Maira had gone off for a two week vacation on a tropical island. I envied them a little because I mean who wouldn't want to be on vacation by the beach? But, oh well.

Finally the day had arrived where Arnav Singh Raizada would be going off for his trip. His flight was a bit after midnight, and since he was flying on a private plane, there wasn't much need to take extra time for all of the airport procedures, especially since he would be driven directly to the plane.

"Everything packed up and ready to go," I asked.

"Yeah... basically," Arnav said, looking over his stuff.

He didn't have much - just a large luggage and duffel bag.

"Excited?"

"For a business conference," he asked, arching his brow at me.

"Touché."

Arnav let out a small smile and went through his phone.

"Well I guess the only excitement would be for the tattoo."

"True... especially once I have all of that figured out."

"Still, huh?"

Arnav clicked his teeth. "Nah."

I couldn't help my smile, crossing my arms over my chest. "Well don't get anything stupid you'll regret."

"Yes ma'am," he grinned.

His phone beeped, distracting him and taking his attention away. As he looked through it, I looked him up and down for a moment.

"So you're going to be gone for two weeks, huh?"

"Yeah," Arnav replied, still looking at his phone. "Maybe even a bit more; just to make sure the tattoo properly heals."

"Hmm...."

Damn! More than two weeks then? I mean he had said it could be a possibility- what do I care?!

I swear, ever since my last episode, I feel like I've been tipping over like a scale, going from side to side nonstop! It's like someone strapped me on whatever the stupid amusement park ride is called that has you strapped in and swings up into the fucking air, spinning around as it goes from side to side - I never asked to be fucking on it!

And yet here I am!

"My car is almost here," Arnav muttered, still looking over his phone.

Wait, he's leaving now? Like now-now?

"Oh...."

Arnav glanced up at me as I glanced away.

Why does this feel awkward though... or am I overthinking it?

Placing his phone into the pocket of his sweats, Arnav picked up his duffle bag and placed the strap on his shoulder, then pulled up the handle of his luggage.

Shit, he's actually leaving.

"Well...."

Fuck, this feels weird! "Well...."

"Guess it's time for me to head down."

"Hmm... I'll go down with you."

"Hmm."

Quietly and awkwardly, we both walked out of the room and headed towards the stairs. As Arnav walked ahead of me, I started to feel this weird feeling in my stomach - the kind of weird feeling you get when you're just bursting and bubbling to say something.

But what do I say? What do I even want to say?! Fucking hell-! "Arnav?"

Arnav paused and looked back at me. "Yeah."

Shit! Um.... "You'll call me when you land... right?"

"Yeah... of course."

"And... and you'll try to call me every day? Keep in touch?"

A small smile spread across his lips. "Sure."

I don't know why, but a small sense of relief spread through me, and for whatever reason, a huge urge to hug him swirled through me.

What the fuck, Khushi? What is this shit? Why am I feeling this way-? Oh, fuck it all to hell!!!

Without another thought, I placed my arms through his and wrapped them around him as I placed my cheek on his chest, hugging him.

"I'll miss you," I admitted, surprising myself slightly as the words nearly whispered out of my mouth.

Wait, what?

I can feel the shock radiate off of Arnav, especially from my words. For a moment, he stays still, but then he tentatively wrapped his arms around me.

"I'll miss you too," he replied, his tone matching mine.

Again, something within me swirled, making me tighten my grip a bit. But the sensible side of me tells me that I have to let him go because his car will be here soon, so even though I shockingly don't want to, I let go of him.

"Make sure to take lots of pictures," I said as I let him go. "Especially when you go to get your tattoo."

"Okay," and he smiled that small, polite smile of his.

Damn, I'm not gonna see that smile for two weeks-? Whoa, what the f-?!

"Anything else," he smiled softly.

"Um... no. But if I remember anything, I'll let you know."

"Okay."

We started heading towards the stairs again, finding the others waiting in the main hall.

Just like when we all gathered here when Maira and Firouz Singh Raizada left for their trip, the family had all gathered together for Arnav's departure as well. Though Maira and Firouz had left earlier in the day, so it made more sense for everyone to be there. But to see everyone gathered to see Arnav off, even though it's late into the night....

It's really nice to see.

Shalini Singh Raizada gave her son a big hug, holding onto him for a moment. I'm sure she's seen her son go away numerous times for business trips, but its sweet to see the love and care she has for her son, no matter what. Aryan Singh Raizada hugged him next, the man clapping his hand onto his son's back and saying a few words. Madhav and Varsha Singh Raizada went next, and then Akash and NK.

They all truly love each other so much.

The sound of honking filled our ears, letting us know that the car had arrived. With another round of farewells said, Arnav headed outside. Akash and NK went to follow him out, when Shalini spoke up.

"Why don't we let Khushi go instead? Let her say goodbye to Chote, as well."

The boys glanced at me, then nodded.

Wait, me?

Everyone looked at me, and while I feel somewhat hesitant, my feet take me forward.

Whoa, what-?

I find myself going after Arnav, following him down the steps and to the car. The driver took Arnav's stuff, placing them in the trunk, then he went back around to the front.

"Well... I'm off," Arnav said lightly.

"Hmm...."

Arnav pursed his lips together, and that swirling feeling came back. Only this time, there was no urge to say anything. Instead, I really wanted to hug him once more, so giving in to the feeling, I hugged him again.

"Stay safe," I murmured.

"I will," Arnav replied softly, hugging me back.

"And promise you'll take pictures?"

"I'll snap you at every hour if you'd like," and I just know that he's smiling.

"Mm, maybe not every hour but... yeah, okay, sure."

Pulling back slightly, I looked up at him. "I know I've already said this, but... I'll miss you."

Geez, way to sound like a parrot! Dummy!

His small, polite smile graced his face. "I'll miss you, too, Warrior."

My eyes slightly widened as I gazed up at him. Just hearing him call me that... well, shit! That swirling feeling is back again! Except this time it's different - this time, it doesn't feel like the way it did when I felt the urge to say something. This time, it doesn't feel like the way it did just moments ago when I felt the urge to hug him.

No, this time it's different. And as my eyes wander down, away from his eyes and onto his lips, it hits me.

Whoa, hold up! What the f-!

"I better get going," Armav said softly, giving a small, sad smile.

"Hmm...."

Snap out of it, bitch! He's got a flight to catch! Don't let the side effects of your last episode kick in now!

Even though a part of me is telling me that - more like scolding, really - I find myself struggling a bit. Truth is... I don't want him to go. I don't want to let him go, I don't.... I mean what even is the point- like I'm only in this museum because of him, and if he's not here- now is not the time!

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked back up at Arnav and notice that he's slightly blushing.

Wait, did he catch me ogling his lips- way to go bitch! You just had to-! Though not gonna lie, he's looking cute with that blush on his face.

"I'm going to miss this blushing face of yours," I smirked lightly, and without another thought, I reached up on my toes and placed a kiss on his cheek.

Arnav blushed even harder when I pulled back, looking a little stunned, making me smirk even more as I stepped back.

"Have a nice trip," I waved.

"...uh... thanks."

Arnav blinked a few times before snapping back to reality, and then he waved weirdly before going into the car. Once he shut the door and was seated, the car pulled away, and I watched as it followed along the pavement, reaching the gates, and went away.

Sigh... he's actually gone. Gone for two weeks... or at least two weeks...

Leaving me alone.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, snapping me back to reality to find Shalini behind me, smiling softly. Even though she doesn't say anything, something in her eyes tells me she's consoling me, letting me know that Arnav will be back before I even know it. And given the way I pinched my lips together with a small smile, I know she'll understand that I appreciate it.

Well... let these two weeks with just my in-laws begin.