Warrior - Chapter Eighty

 Once I managed to clear my mind, I quickly got in the shower, making quick work of myself, then went into the closet with my robe on.

Dammit, what to wear? I mean Shalini is obviously making a big deal out of her son's return, so I don't think a T-shirt and sweats are going to cut it - not that she'd ever say anything to me, but given how much I know her? It would've bother her. 

No, bumming it out with sweats isn't going to quite do it; I'll have to fancy it up a bit, but not too fancy like we're throwing a ball.

Hmm....

Glancing through my clothes, my eyes landed on a red, off-the-shoulders maxi dress. It had white floral prints on it, and of course, a slit but on the right leg.

Looks like we've got a winner here.

Taking it off the hanger, I got out of my robe and put on the dress. I made quick work of my hair, semi-drying it, and then made quick work of my face, keeping the makeup casual.

Should I put my hair up? ...mm, no, I think it looks good with the soft waves, especially since I'm wearing an off-the-shoulders type dress, and-

A knock came at the door, interrupting my thoughts. "Bhabi, Nanav's car just pulled up," I heard NK call out.

Oh shit!

Grabbing my phone and slipping it into the pocket of my dress - which by the way, how come most dresses don't have pockets? That should be a fucking crime! Anyways, I put my phone in my pocket, then opened the door and went rushing past NK.

Shit! How am I late despite being here!

I rushed down the halls, NK right on my heels. As soon as we got to the stairs, Shalini's voice filled the air.

"Chote!"

Looking down over the rails, I see an ecstatic Shalini throw her arms around Arnav, who is hugging his mother in return.

He's back.

Once Shalini released him, Aryan Singh Raizada hugged him, the old man clapping his son's back.

He's really back.

One by one, the other senior Raizada's took turns hugging and welcoming him back, Shalini standing on the side with tears as her husband consoled her. Suddenly she started to look around, a small frown on her face, until she looked up at me.

"There you are, dove!"

As soon as the words were said, everyone started took in my direction, as well as Arnav. As soon as his eyes landed on me, I felt the wind get knocked right out of me.

What the fuck?

Who cares! Doesn't it feel great?

Um, no! You fucking psychopath-!

He's actually back!

Blinking out of my thoughts, I glanced at everyone and slowly started making my way down the stairs. While the rest of the clan was smiling at me with joy, Arnav was smiling at me with... well I can't quite put my finger on it. Sure, it's obvious he's happy to see me, but there's just something else to it....

I just don't have a fucking clue as to what it is.

Whatever it is, it's making something bubble within me. It was just like the time when he left for his trip, the stupid swirling feeling returning!

What the fuck, Khushi? Again? Again with this shit? Why- oh, fuck it all to hell!!!

Without another thought, I charged my way over to Arnav, not giving a single fucking shit about the others, and threw my arms around him as I buried my face in his chest.

Fuck, I missed him! I really fucking missed him! As much as it surprises me like the way it had surprised me when I had admitted to him that I would miss him, I couldn't give a fuck! I missed him, I missed his stupid small, polite smile that I've been fucking yearning to see, and-!

Well, that's quite the interesting picture you just painted.

Huh?

As I blinked, I realized that I was only at the bottom of the steps, NK going past me and to his brother to welcome him back.

Wait, what just-?

Just friends, hmm? You still want to say that you only care for him? 'Just' care for him? Even though you're imagining you're throwing yourself into his arms?

What- what the fuck? What just-?

Huh?

Shalini came over to my side, smiling at me softly. I pinched my lips together in return, and she wrapped her arm around me, walking forward with me.

"Nanav, aren't you going to show us your new tattoo," NK asked. "I can't deal with the secrecy anymore!"

"Relax," Arnav frowned at him.

Looks like some things can go back to normal with ease.

"There's time for that later," Shalini said. "For now, let Khushi welcome Chote."

I glanced at Arnav as he glanced at me, both Shalini and NK stepping away. I could feel everyone watching us, and with one look at Arnav, I knew that he could feel it, too.

Geez, this isn't a fucking circus you know? We just attended one like a week and so, ago.

Ugh, I just want to get out of this weirdness! "Welcome back," I said softly.

Arnav smiled that small, polite smile of his, and instantly, my heart thudded.

What the fu-!

Shalini came over to us, holding a pooja tray in her hands. She handed it to me since she wanted me to do the ritual and greet Arnav back properly, removing any hint of the evil eye off of him. As I did, I could clearly see in Arnav's eyes how he didn't care for any of this one single bit. But knowing him, I know he's only doing it for his mother.

"Khushi, why don't you take Arnav upstairs," Shalini said once it was all done, taking the tray for me. "I'll call you both down when the food is ready."

Both Arnav and I nodded, and we headed upstairs to our room in silence. When we got inside, I see that the workers have already placed his luggage and duffel bag by the bed. Shutting the door, I turned to look at Arnav, who was glancing around the room.

"Still the same," I heard him say.

Huh? "Were you expecting changes?"

Arnav turned to look at me. "Maybe a little," he smirked lightly.

Oh? "Oh?"

"I expected you to make your mark; after all I was gone for so long."

I couldn't help but to scoff lightly, my grin being obvious. But as my eyes landed on the bed - specifically his pillow, my grin immediately fell. Fortunately, Arnav was in mid-stretch, so he didn't notice the falling expression on my face.

Fucking hell, that shit is going to haunt me for life, isn't it-? Don't think about! Do not think about it!

I don't mind thinking about the mark we made on his pill- shut up!

Quick! Distract yourself!

"Uh, why don't you go freshen up," I said.

Arnav nodded and headed towards the closet. As he did, I looked him up and down. Arnav was once again in a hoodie like when he left, but instead of sweatpants, he was in shorts. It's not that often that I see Arnav in shorts, but then again the weather didn't really call for it too much. I just enjoy wearing shorts and seeing him turn into a tomato by just the sight of my skin. No, I haven't seen Arnav in shorts that often, but looking at him now, I see that them legs are also muscular - not too muscular, but muscular.

Damn, manz must be really working hard when he hits the gym, huh?

Now to that, I'll agree with.

Slowly moving forward to the closet entryway, I peeked inside. Arnav was going through his clothes, finding something to wear, and I continued to look him up and down.

Have his legs always been like this? I mean surely, right? Unless he jacked himself up with steroids, there's no way he could've gotten his legs looking like this in 2.5 weeks! Huh... I guess they have been. I mean it makes sense, the rest of him is all worked out and muscular. I mean imagine having chicken legs while your biceps are-

"Hey!"

As the word left my mouth, pulling me back to reality, I see that Arnav is holding onto the sides of his hoodie, ready to pull it off. He looked at me with wide, confused eyes, though his cheeks have a hint of red on them.

Some things just don't change. Though I must admit, I love how it's his actions that's got him all red this time. I mean, sure, I caught him, but still, he's the one that's stripping.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "I believe you have a surprise for me," I said, arching my brow.

Arnav's eyes widened a bit more and then he pinched his lips, looking away.

Why is he...? "Well come on, then; I've only been waiting for over two weeks!"

The corner of his lips crooked up. "Not so patient, hmm?"

I squinted my eyes at him, Arnav chuckling in return.

"Alright, alright," he grinned. "Just, close your eyes for a moment."

I looked him up and down. "Why? Afraid to strip in front of me?"

Arnav's eyes immediately widened, his blush deepening. 

Damn, I really missed seeing him turn into a tomato. 

Pursing my lips together, I forced myself not to smile. "It's okay to have performance issues," and a smirk peeked through.

Arnav blushed even more and unable to help myself, a snort escaped. Arnav immediately scowled at me and I placed my hand over my lips, forcing myself not to laugh.

Fuck, I missed this shit.

"Sorry, sorry, I won't laugh," I quickly threw in before Arnav could speak. "No more jokes, just give me the surprise! I'm losing my shit here!"

I mean seriously!

Arnav grumbled under his breath, no doubt annoyed, but then he let it go. "Fine."

Reaching for the hem of his hoodie again, he pulled it over his head, revealing the white tank top he was wearing beneath. As he placed the hoodie on the closet island, I stepped closer to him, and when my eyes landed on his right arm, they instantly widened.

"Holy fucking shit," I breathed.