Warrior - Chapter Ninety Seven

 Fucking hell!

Fuuuuuuuuucking hell, my head!

I clapped my hand to the side of my head, only it felt like a hundred pounds had been slapped onto my head instead!

Why did I drink all of those shots like that? Why-?

In the blink of an eye, every moment from last night began to play in my mind.

Every moment.

So you remember it all, huh?

...yes.... Yes, I do....

And?

I'm not dealing with you right now.

Even though it pained me to, I opened my eyes. Everything was a blur at first, until finally things started to register. I found myself laying on my side, facing Arnav's side.

Only Arnav wasn't there.

Noticing the clock on his bedside table, I saw that it was past 12 o'clock.

Shit!

I quickly sat up in bed, which only made my head swirl and pound, but I ignored it. Instead I dashed to the bathroom, made quick work of myself, cleaning off the filth that was on me, and once I was showered and washed up, I quickly changed into a black polo shirt playsuit, threw a cap over my head, shoved my phone into my pocket, and rushed out.

As soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, Mama caught sight of me.

"Khushi, where are you-?"

"Has Arnav come back yet?"

"According to Aryan, they're done with their meeting but just golfing-"

"I have to go!"

"Where are you going like this? You clearly don't look good at all!"

"I know, I tried to get rid of last night's mess from my face but it won't go anywhere unless I talk to Arnav."

Mama looked at me with confusion. "I have no idea what that means but-"

"I remember everything from last night."

Her eyebrows immediately shot up. "Everything, everything?

I glanced down at my hands, playing with my fingers. "You're really not mad that your son is still a virgin," I murmured.

"Khushi," she sighed, and she stepped closer to me, taking hold of my hands. "Why would I ever be mad about that?"

"Because it means there's nothing like that between your son and I... definitely no grandchildren," I shrugged.

Mama let out a chuckle. "That's fine; if that's what's meant to be then it's meant to be."

"Hmm... what else do you think is meant to be?"

"Your happiness, for one, so I don't want you doubting it."

I can't help but to look at her slightly wide eyed.

"But we can worry about that later. You've been standing around long enough to drink the potion."

Potion is just the magical name, if you will, given to the abomination of a concoction they had me drink the last time I was all drunk like this.

"Yuck, do I have to," I shuddered, remembering the taste.

"I would suggest it," Akash's mom said as she walked over to us, holding a steel tumbler.

"At least you won't have to see it," Mama said.

"I'll still have to taste it," I grimaced.

"Why don't you start drinking up, I'll tell Nigel to have Dev get ready and bring the car up," Akash's mom said.

"Make sure he puts her golf clubs in as well," Mama said.

"Well, actually, I was thinking of driving," I said.

"Nonsense," Akash's mom said. "It's clear that you're not feeling well, no way we're going to let you drive!"

"Agreed," Mama frowned. "We can't let you do something as irresponsible like that."

"But-"

"I'll have Nigel get him ready," Akash's mom admonished. "And oh! I know that we're not allowed to see your performance until Akash has his video of it ready, but I was wondering if I might get a peek? I have this amazing outfit in mind, but I need to see if it'll give the movement you require."

For a moment, I just blinked at her. Her eyes only showed her excitement and care, although I'm sure I see a hint of giddy in there.

Kind of like how Amma used to back in the day when it was almost time for mine and Payal's performances.

"You know what, that's totally fine,"I nodded, "but only a peek!"

"Two minutes is all I need," she beamed.

"That's more than fine, Kaki Ma."

I could see the shock in her eyes as she heard what I called her. Even Mama looked a little surprised, though her smile was more than obvious.

"R-right, uh... I'll go let Nigel know," Kaka Ma smiled, and she went off to tell the man.

Mama looked at me with a smile. "You just made her very happy."

"I'm sure all the women of the house are now - you don't think the men are jealous, do you?"

"No," she chuckled, "but I'm sure they're waiting for their turn."

The thought of Arnav from last night crossed my mind. "Hmm, I bet."

"And speaking of all the ladies, all of them would be happy if you were as well. After all, you're one of us..."

My eyes slightly widened on their own.

"...aren't you?"

I took in a deep breath and sighed. "That's what I'm trying to figure out," I softly admitted. "Up until this point- heck, maybe even after, I've never referred to this place as home."

Why am I admitting-?

Oh let it be! Besides, you already gave away a lot last night!

You were listening?

No duh!

Mama glanced down at the floor. "Last night you referred to your parents house as your home so...."

Right.... "I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. Please, don't be, Khushi. I told you, I understand that it can't be easy, and I respect that. If this... grand mansion still cannot be considered as your home to you, then that's okay. Take your time."

Hmm... I can't help but to ask. "What if things don't work out with me and Arnav?"

"No one will force you to stay."

"But what if I don't want to leave him?"

"Then you can stay here till the end of your days, with him," she smiled softly.

I felt my throat swell up slightly and I tried to gulp it away. "Everything's been a mess lately- for me, at least. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster and I can't get off of it."

"It's up to you to get yourself off of it because only you can control it."

"I know," I sighed. "My therapist said the same thing- I can't believe I drunkenly admitted to that."

"Khushi, if it's helping you, then I don't care if you kept it a secret or not. It didn't help in my case, but if it's helping you, then good."

"It was but my therapist is gone due to a family emergency, so now I don't know what to do."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're smart Khushi, I know you are. Whatever it is that's bothering you, I suggest you think everything through - from the beginning of it up until now, think it all through. Maybe that'll help you."

Think it all through, huh?

Think it all through... she might be onto something.

Just then, Choti Ma came down the stairs. "Good afternoon Khushi, how are you feeling?"

"Perplexed," I said absentmindedly, still thinking over Mama's words.

"Huh?"

"Dev should be ready," Kaki Ma said, coming back into the room.

"You're going out? In this condition," Choti Ma frowned.

"Well, there's no stopping her," Mama said. "Not today and definitely not right now."

I looked up at her and she smiled at me. She then held her arms out and I went to her, letting her hold me.

"Whatever it is that's bothering you, I hope you overcome it. I hope you'll think it all through and come to a decision."

I couldn't help but to sigh and I hugged her back. "I just hope I make the right decision."

"There's no right or wrong because no matter what choice you make, it'll be the right one for you."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Pulling back, she smiled at me once more and I returned one as well.

"I may not know what you guys are exactly talking about, but I agree," Choti Ma said.

"Me as well," Kaki Ma nodded.

Well, that's three votes of confidence.

Three very important votes of confidence.

I guess so.... "I should get going."

"Take care dove," Mama smiled at me. "And don't forget to finish the potion!"

I looked down at the steel tumbler in my hands. "How could I possibly forget?"

The three ladies only chuckled and I turned to leave. When I reached the door, I glanced back at them, finding all three of them smiling at me.

What are you thinking?

I'm thinking... that I have a lot to think about.

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