Warrior - Chapter Eighty Six

Once it was confirmed that I had received the footage and that the files worked, I made my way back to Raizada mansion. Given that it was the weekend, I'm sure everyone else is chilling for the most part. Whatever the case, I made my way upstairs to my room. Arnav was nowhere in sight, which I didn't mind, and I quickly washed up and changed, getting comfy. I grabbed my laptop and sat on the bed, then plugged my headphones in as I downloaded the videos Radhika had sent me.

Like I said before, I have my homework cut out for me. So it's really no surprise that I'm watching these videos and taking mental notes, comparing the two. It's a bit wild to watch 14 year old me dancing away to this stupid song. It was from one of my rehearsals from back in the day when I had perfected the steps and was ready for the main performance. Watching Payal's tape, she wasn't kidding when she said that they took a lot of inspiration from my performance. Of course there were a few changes here and there, which is totally fine, and I'm sure that with some practice, I'll have this shit down in no time.

Some time later, I made my way downstairs to the dining room so Shalini Singh Raizada wouldn't have to bother coming upstairs. I find her and the other ladies already in the dining room and they flashed a smile at me as I came in. The men soon started to pour in, Arnav and the boys coming in together. Everyone sat down as the workers placed of all the food, and began to eat.

For some odd reason, it was quiet - too quiet. I shot a few sly glances at them, trying to figure out what the fuck was up. From what I can see, everyone was shooting glances at each other, although someone seemed to be getting them in specific. I glanced at Arnav to see if my suspicion was true and when he shot his glance at the person, I knew I was right.

Oh for fuck's sake! "Akash Singh Raizada, what did you tell everyone," I scowled.

The poor young man looked at me in horror, glancing at everyone else before looking back at me.

'Well," I pushed on.

"Bhabi, in my defense-"

"Don't waste words, what did you do?"

I watched him as he gulped down his courage. "Uh... I may have let it slip that you're perform-"

"You did what?"

"Khushi," I heard Shalini Singh Raizada try to console, but I paid no attention to it.

"Akash, how could you," I exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, it slipped-"

"Slip on what? Fucking ice," I said, cutting him off.

"I-"

"I told Payal that I didn't want anyone else knowing, and I know she mentioned it to you so what the f-!"

"It honestly was an accident," Arnav quickly said. "He didn't even realize he spilled the beans until it was too late."

Well, fucking shit!

"Besides, is it really such a bad thing," Shalini Singh Raizada quickly threw in. "I think it'll be quite exciting to see you-"

"Oh no, no, no," I said, shaking my head, "this is exactly why I didn't want anyone to know. I don't want anyone to be there, I don't want anyone to see me perform."

"But-"

"I'm just doing squirt a favor so that I can cash in a favor in return when the time comes."

You're such a fucking liar!

Fuck off! "Okay, so no one is seeing any performance, do I make myself clear?"

No one said anything, looking from each other.

"Well, technically Akash does since he's recording everything," NK Singh Raizada said.

I couldn't help but to glare at him, the young man looking away.

Oh for fucks sake....

Unable to help myself, I let out a loud groan and covered my face with my hand.

Why me? Why the fuck is it always me?

"How about this," Arnav said. "Nobody will bother you about this at all and no one will go to see the show."

"If you agree to let us see Akash's recording later," Shalini Singh Raizada quickly threw in.

Looking up, I glared at her, but the woman was totally unaffected, giving me a shrug in return.

"Hey, I'm the wife of a businessman and I birthed one as well."

No fucking lies there!

Letting out another groan, I glanced at each of the Raizada's, noting how they all pretty much had the same expression on their faces, which meant they were all on board with Shalini Singh Raizada's idea.

"Fine," I eventually huffed.

Shalini Singh Raizada instantly clapped. "Wonderful! I can't wait!"

"Oh," Maira Singh Raizada piped up. "May I help you pick out your outfit?"

What-? Actually.... "Yes, you may aunty in-law."

Even she started to clap with joy, but I was still bitter.

Fucking Akash, learn to keep your mouth shut! I expected this from squirt, but you? Shame, shame!

The weird quiet vibes were gone, especially due to Maira Singh Raizada's excitement in trying to figure out how she would dress me for my show, which got all the Raizada ladies excited for a shopping trip, especially since they would be going to some charity event soon. I would go too, but my schedule is packed, and given this performance and my work days, there's just no days that I can commit to anything else.

Well... fuck my life.


*~*


The following day, I made my way to the Academy at 10 in the morning. As I walked through the halls, old memories from back in the day echoed in my mind and I felt like a teenager all over again. The closer I got to the rehearsal studio, the younger I felt myself becoming.

Scheisse! I wasn't expecting all this to happen immediately. How's the rest of the day going to pass?

Heading to Radhika and Vikrant's studio, I find the two already inside.

"Hey," Vikrant smiled.

"Good morning, Khushi," Radhika beamed.

"Morning," I muttered as I placed my duffel bag down on the side.

"Still being a little pesky, huh," Vikrant chuckled.

I simply looked at him and the man chuckled once more.

"I'm sure all of that will melt away as soon as we get started," Radhika said.

I wouldn't bet on it.

"So, the show is on Sunday the 7th, which gives you three weeks to prep."

"Well, if I was still the old me, I'd say piece of cake," I frowned, tilting my head.

"I'm sure it still will be," Vikrant said.

Times two, I wouldn't bet on it.

"For now we'll focus the weekends on you and the week before the show, we'll have you and the other girls work together."

"If you could try to give us some time on the weekdays, too, that week, it would be great," Vikrant said.

"No promises but I'll talk to my assistant," I said, crossing my arms.

"Works for us."

After that, we got right down to work, Vikrant playing the footage on a screen for reference while Radhika mostly helped me with the moves. Like I said, I was quite stale, but to my surprise, it didn't take long for familiarity to hit me, making things easier and easier as the hours passed on by. In fact, things were going so well that I had no idea when the clock hit 4:30 and time was up.

"Excellent work, Khushi! You were fantastic," Vikrant grinned.

"Well I don't want to toot my own horn but I was kinda good," I shrugged.

"And it'll all be perfected in no time," Radhika beamed.

With all that done, I gathered my things and left. It was past 5 by the time I got back to Raizada mansion, and as soon as I got inside, I spotted the three Raizada ladies.

"Ah, Khushi! You're back," Shalini Singh Raizada smiled at me.

"How was rehearsal," Varsha Singh Raizada asked.

"Not bad," I replied.

"Do you know when you're performing," Maira Singh Raizada asked. "I'm definitely going to need the time to find you the most perfect outfit!"

"Actually, I did! It'll be on Sunday the 7th, so three weeks."

"Perfect! That's more than enough time, but of course I need to take into consideration of you being able to move..." and she placed her hand on her chin as she looked up in thought.

"I'm sure you'll find something," Varsha Singh Raizada chuckled.

"In the meanwhile, Khushi why don't you head upstairs, I'll get your food ready."

I nodded and just as I was about to go upstairs, Maira Singh Raizada piped up.

"Oh! I forgot the most important question," she exclaimed. "What song are you dancing to?"

Uh.... "Sajan sajan teri dulhan."

"A Madhuri song? Even more perfect! I can already feel the inspiration running through my brain!"

"I'm sure it is," Varsha Singh Raizada chuckled. "Why don't we continue it elsewhere," and she led her to the den, Maira Singh Raizada blabbing to herself.

"Uh... have I created a monster," I frowned.

"No, you merely gave a kickstart to her gears," Shalini Singh Raizada chuckled.

Good to know.

Heading upstairs, I made my way to my room, and when I got inside, I spotted Arnav by the vanity, fixing the cuff of his expensive white shirt.

Where's he going?

Arnav's phone immediately started to ring and he picked it up. "Yeah, Aman?"

As he listened to what his assistant had to say, he caught sight of me in the mirror. Not saying a word, he excused himself to the balcony.

Good, cause I don't wanna hear it.

Making my way into the closet, I put my duffel bag down, got out of my sneakers, grabbed my robe, and headed to the bathroom for a nice, cooling shower, relieving myself of the few aching parts of my body.

I'm definitely making a mental note of taking a nice bubble bath tomorrow after rehearsal.

Maybe I'll even get some wine....

When I finally got out of the shower, I made quick work of my hair to blow dry it partially and changed into a comfy cotton, sleeveless jumpsuit. As I stepped back into the room, I saw Arnav still on the phone, only he was wearing a black suit jacket.

Where-?

But before I could even complete the thought, Arnav headed out fo the room, shutting the door behind.

What the fuck-? Where is he going? He didn't tell me anything.

Huh?

As I frowned, I quickly moisturized my face.

Where on earth is he going dressed like that? And why is he even going anywhere? He just got back a few days ago and he's already going out? I mean given that he's dressed like that, it has to be a work thing, right? I mean where else would Arnav go? Unless-

Wow! For someone who claimed that her mind doesn't fill up with the thought of him at all, you sure are filling up your head with the thought of him by a lot!

I scowled at my reflection in the mirror and I could've sworn the bitch arched her brow at me.

I'm losing my shit again.

Ignoring the stupid voice, I got up and headed downstairs. Shalini Singh Raizada sat in the dining room, going through her phone, the food already placed on the table.

Oops! "My bad, I didn't realize I took so long," I apologized as I took a seat.

"Don't be! I'm sure you're a little exhausted and tired out," she smiled at me.

Shalini Singh Raizada helped me to fix my plate, when suddenly her phone started beeping. 

"Oh! That's Aryan," she murmured as she looked at the screen.

"He's out too, huh?"

"You know these men," she said as she read whatever was on the screen.

I wonder.... "...is Arnav with him?"

Shalini Singh Raizada looked up at me, but before she could even answer, her phone started ringing.

"Sorry about that, excuse me," and she took the call as she walked away. "Hello? ...no I couldn't respond, our daughter in-law was right in front of me!"

I don't even want to know.

But that still doesn't answer my question - is Arnav with him or not? Did the two leave together? Was Aryan already gone and Arnav is joining him? Are the other men with him? Is it a men's thing? A work thing? But-

There you go again, pondering on the thought of him.

This bitch-!

Call me what you will, doesn't change the truth. Question is, why are you so concerned? I thought you didn't fill up your mind with the thought of him at all?

Listen, you-!

No you listen - why are you lying to yourself? Why did you lie to him? Why are you concerning yourself with where Arnav went? Besides, he always texts to let you know where he goes, so why concern yourself?

I-! Wait a minute, that's true. Arnav usually will send a text about where he's going and who he's with so what am I concerning myself for? Not that he's ever had to, he's just always done that out of kindness-

Of which you haven't returned to him at all.

How?

Uh, bitch! Have you forgotten already? You blew up at him for the tattoo, you blew up at him for no fucking reason yesterday, you've barely been kind to him- heck to anyone for that matter, so how dare you ask how!

You-! Relax! Relax, Khushi, relax... calm down... stop fighting against a voice in your head like you're some psychopath... just relax.

Say whatever you will, I hope Arnav doesn't text you and doesn't let you know where he is nor who he's with. You deserve that much, you bitch!

Why you-! No, Khushi! No... not against the voice... no... you'll lose your sanity.

Focusing on the food in front of me, I filled up my stomach and relaxed myself. When I finished up with my food, the workers took everything away and I made my way to the ballroom.

In all honesty, I haven't been in here since the last event that took place here after the wedding. There just hasn't been any big party like that. But with all the space that there is, I think it'll serve perfectly as a place to practice in over the next few weeks.

Heck, since I've got nothing else to do, why not throw in some practice right now?

With that plan in mind, I headed back upstairs to my room, grabbed my laptop and phone, and went back to the ballroom. For the rest of the evening, I practiced away until it was time for dinner. After cleaning up, I headed into the dining room and found only the ladies there.

Okay, so definitely all the men are gone. Question is, where?

As dinner went on, I kept my ears open for any hint of where Arnav could be, but with most of conversation coming from Maira Singh Raizada and what she's thinking for my performance outfit, I wasn't getting any answers.Even by the time dinner was over, I still had no answers.

Sucks to be you.

Shut up!

Taking my stuff upstairs, I got ready for bed, putting on some shorts and a cropped tank top. Once I took care of my skin routine, I chilled out in bed, going through my phone. When I started to feel really tired and my eyes started drooping, I glanced at the alarm clock and saw that it was a bit past 12.

Arnav's still not back yet?

Why do you care?

I'm not even going to bother.

Putting my phone away, I made myself comfortable and turned off the lights. I expected myself to fall asleep immediately, yet surprisingly, all hints of sleepiness and tiredness was gone

Fucking hell, why is this happening to me?

I tossed and turned every now and then, trying hard to fall asleep, but my mind and body refused.

Don't look at me, this is all you.

Sigh....

It was a bit after 1 when I heard the door unlock. Quickly, I turned to my side so that my back would be facing the door. I heard Arnav come in - or at least I'm hoping it's Arnav because my paranoia is starting to kick in. They moved around a little and then went away, and when I peeked over my shoulder, I saw Arnav heading into the closet.

Phew... it is Arnav.

Moments passed by and I simply laid there quietly, when I heard Arnav come back into the room. He shuffled around for a bit more, then finally came to bed and laid down.

Where did he even go?

You could just ask.

No way! Then he'll know I'm awake! Besides, he usually tells me.

Why should he tell his bitch-of-a-lying wife. anything?

You-! No! No! I'm going to sleep now, fuck you! Fuck everyone! If he doesn't wanna tell me jack, then fine, don't tell me! Who cares! I don't care! Fuck it all to hell!

I. Don't. Need. Anyone!

Comments