Warrior - Chapter Sixty Two

 Traveling into the city, we arrived at a boutique which Shalini Singh Raizada insisted had the cutest dresses for tea. Going inside, I see that she wasn't kidding, especially given that the store took their theme way too seriously. I mean for real, it screams Alice in Wonderland, but oddly much more calm and mature unlike the children's cartoon.

Like the last time we went shopping, Shalini goes into full swing, browsing around to not only select dresses for herself, but for Varsha Singh Raizada and I as well. The difference now is that she didn't have Maira as a partner in tow to help her, though maybe then it was more like mama in-law helping out aunty in-law, since Maira Singh Raizada is way more excessive when it comes to fashion and shopping.

I mean that much was pretty clear since the first day I met her.

Meanwhile, you have Varsha, who's the complete opposite.

I'm curious to see how she'll act today.

With a number of dresses selected for the each of us, the very giddy saleswoman took us into another room. You would think we were in a bridal store where women try on numerous dresses and show it off to their friends as they sit on the couch and sip champagne - but no. 

These were just tea dresses.

And yet all the fuss! Not that I'm complaining but... yeah.

Immediately, I became the chosen one to go first and try on all the dresses picked for me. And like a model, I came out wearing a different dress, got critiqued by mama and aunty in-law for each one, until finally we came down to finalizing a peach floral-printed, high-low maxi dress with a v-neck cut and tie at the waist. Paired with a hat, and I looked bougier and classier than more than half of the ladies in town who think that they have class.

Shalini went next and after critiquing through her the dresses chosen for her, we finalized on a soft lilac floral dress, with a crew neck and puffed sleeves. Once her hat was finalized, it was time for Varsha's turn.

Now this is where my interest was stroked.

As she tried on different dresses and mama in-law gave her two cents, I observed my younger aunty in-law. As more dresses were tried on, it became apparent that her eyes would have a small twinkle or no twinkle - I'm assuming depending on if she herself likes the dress she was currently trying. Mama in-law's notes seemed to coincide with the twinkling, so both were on the same wavelength.

Question is, which dress will really make her shine?

She continued on to try several more dresses, when she came out wearing a beautiful royal blue off-the-shoulders dress and let me tell you...

Varsha Singh Raizada has never looked this stunning - ever! Not as long as I've known and seen her, nuh-fucking-uh!

Not to mention she looks banging!

Mama in-law gasped beside me. "I think we've found the one!"

Varsha looked at her wide eyed and I looked the woman down carefully. The way the dress fitted her perfectly, her curves accentuated - which by the way I didn't even know existed - the asymmetrical skirt flowed nicely. I mean the woman looked fucking gorgeous! And the twinkle in her eyes has been far more twinkly-er than it has with any other dress! And yet, there's something in her eyes that I just don't fully understand. A type of sorrow, that much I can figure, but why exactly....

Hmm....

"I think you're right," I agreed. "This is definitely the one."

This time aunty in-law looked at me with her wide eyes. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly-"

"Nonsense," mama in-law waved. "Besides, if I'm not mistaken, this shade of blue is Madhav's favorite color," she smirked.

Varsha's cheeks instantly reddened, which again, is something new.

"Ooh gurl," I sang, making mama in-law laugh.

"You have to take this one, Varsha," Shalini said when she recovered. "You look absolutely beautiful!"

"I just- I mean- I," but she couldn't get her words together.

"Looks like we've got all our dresses picked out then," I said.

"Yes but- oh! Just one more thing," mama in-law said, and she got up.

She went over to the hats we had picked out, and placed a royal blue mesh Kentucky derby hat on Varsha's head, then looked at me. "What do you think, dove?"

"I think everyone at tea is gonna be shook when she stunts on all them fake hoes."

Mama in-law immediately laughed. "I love the way you put it like that and I absolutely agree!"

Varsha gaped at us. "But-"

"I think we're all set then," I said.

"Yes, I believe so," mama in-law nodded.

While mama in-law went to the sales associate to work everything out, I observed aunty in-law for a bit. She definitely seemed a bit panicked, but when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, it slightly faded, the woman running her hand over her dress ever so lightly.

It's very obvious you love the dress, that much I know. But will you actually wear it when the day comes? This we'll have to see.

*~*

When we arrived home, the workers came to our aid and took our shopping bags away.

"Have the boys come back yet, Nigel," Varsha asked.

"Yes, they're downstairs in the game room."

Mama in-law looked up in thought. "Hmm... Khushi, I think you should tell the boys about the tea party."

Whoa, hold up! "Uh, why?"

"Simple - they won't be able to deny you."

Huh?

"They usually try to avoid these things," Varsha clarified.

Makes sense, can't say that I blame them; especially for Akash to avoid the Singhania's.

But me? "I doubt they'll be able to deny you either," I pointed out to mama in-law.

"Possibly, but they'll try to make up some excuses and twist it into their favor and make me melt. You, however, are a no-nonsense woman -  so even if they tried that with you, they won't be able to get away with it."

Well, she has a point. But ugh! Me?

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the boys, that's not the case whatsoever. But I don't... I just....

Have I ever even had a solo conversation with them? ...come to think of it, I think Arnav has always been around when I've spoken to them. Before marriage, there was that one time Payal and I saw them, but again, Payal was there so....

Have I really managed to not have a one-on-one with with these guys at all? In the one-plus month that I've been married to Arnav Singh Raizada?

Speaking of which, when will he land? How much longer-?

"Dove?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked up to see mama in-law frowning at me.

"Everything okay?"

Uh.... "It's nothing."

She tilted her head with a small smile. "Thinking about Chote?"

What the fu-! How the hell did she-?

"I know the feeling; you can't help but to wonder how much longer will it be till they land and when they'll call you.... I get it."

I can't help but to be a little shocked, even as Varsha Singh Raizada gave me a side hug, rubbing my arm.

How the hell did this woman-!

"He'll call you soon enough," Shalini Singh Raizada smiled.

Uh.... "I'm gonna go talk to the boys."

Not saying anything else, I turned away to head down to the basement.

How the- what- she-!

...huh?!