Warrior - Chapter Ninety Six

As if shots of tequila weren't enough, shots of whiskey got added to the mix.

And my gosh, did things quickly change tune.

"Whoooo!!!!!!! I'm fucking litt tonight, fucking bitches!!!!!!!!"

Glancing up, I watched as Khushi cheered and hollered, standing up on the bench, dancing. She had nearly stood on them in her heels, but I was quickly able to stop her, and instead she decided to take them off and continue with her actions. Akash and NK had already made their way back to the dance floor, though at one point they had made it behind the DJ's booth. They had asked Khushi to tag along, but she was having her own party, and therefore in no mood to go elsewhere.

I'm hoping that won't be the case when I suggest heading home because we're nearing 4 o'clock. Fortunately, the bros came back and managing them was easy, so I was hoping that would be the case with Khushi.

"No! No! No!"

Or maybe not. "Khushi it's getting late-"

"But I'm having so much fun! We're having so much fun!"

"I know, but the place will have to close up soon, right? They'll be kicking us out anyways, so might as well leave ourselves."

Khushi's lips formed into a pout. "That's not fun!"

I pursed my lips in return. "I know, but rules are rules-"

"Rules-schmules, who the fuck cares!"

"I care, and preferably I'd like to avoid the trouble so that the bodyguards don't have to carry you out."

"Why? Would you be jealous," and she giggled behind her hands.

My eyes slightly widened and I could feel my fucking cheeks heat up!

Dammit, Raizada-!

Khushi let out a dramatic gasp. "I know! You could carry me instead!"

What the-?

"Then the bodyguard won't have to!"

"But-"

"Do it!"

Before I could say anything, fucking Akash and NK started cheering along. "Do it! Do it! Do it!"

I scowled at the two of them, but they only continued.

"See," Khushi exclaimed. "Even they agree! Do it-! But oh! Could you give me my heels first?"

What-? Fuck, I have to get these guys out of here so I can get enough sleep for tomorrow- or rather, today! "Fine."

Khushi clapped with joy. "Yay!"

Even the two idiots started clapping like the fucking monkeys they are.

Reaching below the table, I picked up Khushi's heels and handed them to her.

"Yay," she cheered. "Now carry me!"

For a moment, I just looked at her as the memory of me carrying her up the stairs after our wedding played in my mind.

I can't believe it's been almost three months since then.

"Uh, any day now Arnav! Before some beefy bodyguard touches me!"

Her words snapped me back to reality, and without another thought, I took her into my arms, Khushi wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Wee! That was fun! You're so strong," she beamed.

I simply pursed my lips together and proceeded to head out of the club, Akash and NK following behind. When we got to the car, I pulled out some bottles of water I had in the back and handed it to them, and although they fussed, I only pushed them to hydrate. It was easier to get the boys, but not Khushi.

"No, I feel like shit!"

"That's why you should drink water, Khushi, you'll feel better."

She simply shook her head and leaned her head against the seat. She wasn't properly seated, sitting sideways and dangling her legs out the car. I was going to say something when I saw Akash and NK walk away, Akash holding onto NK, which could only mean one thing.

"Arnav..."

Looking away, I brought my attention back to Khushi, who had her eyes screwed shut, her forehead wrinkling up.

"Arnav, I don't feel so good."

"What-?"

She pushed me out of the way and got out of the car, wobbling. I quickly went after her, her actions making it clear what was going to happen, and as she bent over and placed her hands on her knees, I quickly caught hold of Khushi's hair as she puked all over the ground.

That's gotta suck.

As she continued to throw up everything in her system, I held her to support her. When she finally stopped, she slightly straightened, breathing heavily.

"Here, drink this," I said, handing her the bottle that I was still holding onto.

"Fucking hell, I feel like shit!"

"This will make you feel better, a lot better," and I removed the cap and held up the bottle to her.

But Khushi didn't take the bottle, placing one hand on the side of her head, while the other went to her waist. "I feel so fucking crappy and like such fucking shit!"

I'm sure drinking the water will help, but.... "Um... is it okay if I help you to drink this?"

"Is it more vodka? Cause I'll fucking kill you if it is!"

"No, just water."

"Hmm... fine."

Bringing the bottle up to her lips, I helped her to drink the water. Eventually she placed her hand over mine, able to help herself, and before I became an unnecessarily blushing fool, I moved my hand away.

"Feeling better," I asked.

She only made a sound in return, which I couldn't really understand.

"Let's head home."

Again, she only made a sound and no effort to move, but she did hold her hand out. So helping her out, I led her back to the car. The boys were already in the car, absolutely exhausted. Once I helped Khushi into her seat and buckled her in, I went around to my seat, gave all of them breath mints, then drove off. 

When we finally got back, not to my surprise, I found Mom waiting for us.

"Shouldn't you be asleep," I asked her.

But her attention wasn't on me, instead looking at Khushi, who was once again in my arms, laying her head on my shoulder.

"Did she have fun," Mom asked instead.

"Can't you tell," and I couldn't help my grin.

"That's what matters, asides from the birthday boy having his fun of course," and she looked back at Akash and NK, who were total zombies at this point.

Just then Kaki Ma and Choti Ma came into the hall.

"Is no one asleep," I asked, a bit annoyed.

It's too late for them!

"Mothers worry no matter how old their children get," Kaki Ma said.

"Especially when it's their child's birthday," Choti Ma said, looking over at NK.

NK mumbled and slurred something, but it was hardly understandable.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure, now come along," and Choti Ma went to his side and helped him upstairs.

"That goes for you as well," Kaki Ma said, and she helped Akash up as well.

The others headed up the stairs and Mom turned to me. "Same applies to you two."

Just as I was about to say something, Khushi began to mutter, though we could hardly understand what she was saying, the both of us frowning at each other in confusion.

Mom stepped closer to her. "Did you say something, dove? I couldn't quite understand."

Again Khushi muttered something. "... me, Mama?"

Again the both of us looked at each other in confusion.

"I'm sorry, dove, I-"

"Ma... why... me, Mama? Why?"

"Why what, dear?"

"Why... nice... me, Mama?"

Mom's eyes slightly widened as she quickly glanced at me before looking back at Khushi. "Are you asking why I'm nice to you, Khushi?"

Khushi nodded. "Why... why?"

Looking at Mom, it was obvious that she was feeling some pain, hearing Khushi's question. But before she could answer, Khushi began to wriggle in my arms, forcing me to put her down on her feet, even though I didn't want to. Her tiredness was obvious, she should be going straight to bed. Instead, she handed me her heels that she was still clutching onto, and moved towards Mom, taking hold of her hands, surprising Mom in the process.

"I'm not a good girl," Khushi said, shaking her head almost as if she were a bobblehead.

"That's not true-"

"It is! I've been.. I've been...." She let out a loud groan, tossing her head back before looking back at mom. "Gosh, I've been such a fucking bitch!"

Both Mom and I only looked at her in shock, not because of her crude language, but because of what she was saying.

"See! You're so nice, not even scolding me for my foul mouth!"

"I-I don't see why I should," Mom said, recovering from her shock.

"Amma would've had me by my ear! She never liked it when I spoke up," she pouted as she tilted her head to the side, her shoulders sagging. "Why couldn't she ever support me and be on my side? Like the way you do?"

"I'm sure she wants to, Khushi, Garima loves you! But it's unfortunate that many women of our society were raised and conditioned in the way that they were, so it prevents them often-"

"Not you. Not me, either, but not you."

"Maybe in some ways; after all I wasn't able to stand up for myself the way that you do for yourself."

"I'll punch any fucker that fucks with you."

What the!

Mom looked at Khushi in shock. "Dove-"

"I may have been shitty all this time, but I'll be better. I have been better, I've learned to give you a chance, I call you Mama now! I even gave NK's- no! I even gave Choti Ma a chance! Soon I'll give every elder a chance," she exclaimed, holding her arms out.

Mom glanced at me before looking back at Khushi. "That's very kind of you-"

"Don't give me credit," she said, waving her hand like a toddler. "My therapist said to not punish those who haven't hurt me."

"What the-? Therapist?"

Khushi turned to me, looking at me with wide eyes. "Oops," and she started to giggle behind her hands.

She's been going to therapy? Since when? Why-? ...then again, it's really not necessary for her to tell me these things, or anyone for that matter.

But I can't believe she's been going to therapy.

Khushi stopped laughing and looked back at Mom. "I know I'm supposed to give a chance to those who haven't hurt me, and you've been on my side since that day you first came to my home..."

Her home? Does she not...?

"...but how is it you're so nice to me," she frowned, tilting her head. "You even call me dove when I've been nothing but a crow, shitting all over the place."

"Now you know that's not true-"

"Isn't it," she asked, cutting Mom off. "All of you have tried to get close to me, but I've only pushed you guys away. ...I've hurt you haven't I,"and tears began to form in her eyes.

"Oh, come here...."

Ma held out her arms to her and Khushi went straight into them, wrapping her arms around Ma's waist.

"You haven't hurt anyone, dove, don't ever think that you have," she said softly. "We understand your position, we know that it can't be easy. All that we hope for is that you'll give us a chance."

Mom glanced over at me and I simply pursed my lips in return.

A chance is all that any of us can hope for... especially me.

"Now, then," and Mom pulled back, wiping away Khushi's tears that had escaped, "it's very late and you're still quite intoxicated."

Khushi let out a sniffle and used her sleeves to wipe away her tears. "You don't hate me for being a drunk, do you?"

"Not one bit."

"Amma hates alcohol; she doesn't even know that I drink."

"That's her choice."

"Do you hate that I drink?"

"Not at all. In fact, it would be hypocritical of me since I enjoy a martini here and there."

Khushi let out a dramatic gasp. "Mama!"

Ma chuckled in return. "We'll talk about this later when you're feeling better. Chote, take Khushi upstairs so she can rest."

I nodded in return and went to help give Khushi support, but she moved away.

"What the-?"

"Is that all you ever say," she huffed, crossing her arms.

"I-"

"Carry me."

What-!

From the corner of my eye, I caught Mom pursing her lips together, trying to stop her smile.

Oh for-!

"Mama, your son is always blushing," Khushi whined.

What-!

"He turns red at the drop of-"

"Okay, I think that's enough," and I could feel my cheeks burning a little.

Fuck!

Khushi brought her hands over her lips. "Oop! Was I not supposed to let Mama know how her virgin badass tattooed CEO of a son blushes like a toddler?"

I could feel my cheeks heat up even more.

Ma didn't have to know about that!

Khushi held her hands out. "Woopsie-daisy!"

A chuckle escaped from Mom's lips and I couldn't help but to groan.

"Now come on! Picky up-y me!"

"You better do as she says," Mom said, and I just know she's smirking.

Looking back at her, I see that I'm right.

Dammit!

"We'll see you in the morning," I grumbled, and I handed Khushi her heels, then picked her up into my arms.

"Oh! Are we in trouble because we haven't had sex yet?"

"What the-!"

"Not at all," Ma said.

For fuck's sake-!

"Aww, Arnav's blushing even more," Khushi clapped.

Can things get any worse?

Not waiting for that possibility, I headed upstairs, going to our room.

When we got inside, I went straight to the closet and put Khushi down on the island.

"Get changed for bed," and I turned to leave.

"Oh! Big shot CEO is angwy now!"

I looked back at her. "What-?"

"Did I wupset the wittle blushey pup," and she burst out into laughter, dropping her heels to the floor.

"Khushi, it's not funny-"

"Yes it is," and she laughed even more.

"I'm walking away now-"

"Oh no you don't!"

Before I could even process it, Khushi grabbed my arm and pulled me to her, bringing me in between her legs.

What is she-?

Khushi placed her elbows on my shoulders and rested her chin on her hands. "You sure are something else."

Huh?

"Do you remember the last time I got drunk like this?"

My eyes automatically widened on their own.

How could I ever forget that night... and what it made me do later in the shower.

Pulling away, she leaned back, supporting herself with her arms. "I remember every moment clearly."

Wait, what? She does?

"I know we've made no mention of it, but I do. Fills me with embarrassment usually, but not tonight," she frowned, bringing her finger to her lips as she looked up in wonder.

She's embarrassed-?

"I mean I acted like a lunatic, and given that there's been nothing of that sort between us, of course it's embarrassing in some ways."

Oh! So not-?

In a flash, she moved back up and placed her hands on my shoulders. "But not tonight," she smirked. "Tonight I'm feeling... a little differently."

My eyes slightly widened.

"Tonight, I don't care about the fact that I was forcing you to tell me that I looked like a fucking snack- although let's be real, I totally was," she waved.

Yeah- what! Control, Raizada, control!

"Nor do I care that I said that I should've been bent over this very island and getting railed from behind," she said casually, holding her hands out with a shrug.

Uh....

"And I definitely don't care that I taunted you about sex positions, though I must admit, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm getting curious," and she put her finger over her lips once more as she began to wonder.

Oh no, I should stop things right here! "Khushi-"

"Tell me Arnav, what kinda porn do you watch?"

I could feel my cheeks redden as I gaped at her.

"Oh come on, this is not the time to blush! If you can watch it without getting red, you shouldn't be turning red by hearing a question about it! That is unless you're jerking off to it cause then-"

"Okay, I think it's time to go to bed."

I went to turn to leave, but Khushi quickly trapped me with her legs, pushing me back to her.

"What the-!"

"Oh honestly, is that really all you ever say," she huffed, rolling her eyes.

"I-"

"Cause honestly, it's like your fucking catch phrase, I'm noticing. ...I've been noticing you more than ever, lately."

Huh?

"Well, truth be told, even that's been a rollercoaster," she frowned, crossing her arms.

What? "I don't-"

"Of course you don't, it's been a mental battle with myself! One moment I try to keep distance from you, the next I'm checking out our muscular arms! Again, I try to keep my distance, but then I see your glorious firm ass!"

What-!

"By the way, how did you get it so perky like that-? Actually, don't, you'll turn into more of a tomato."

Have I not turned as red as one already?

Khushi let out a heavy sigh. "I can't seem to get off this rollercoaster. It's hard... and I hate it," she said softly.

What does she mean?

"I know I said that I don't care but... but I do.... At the same I do... and I also don't. It's so complicated," she exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

"I... I don't understand-"

"No, why would you? You're straight forward. You're Arnav Singh Raizada, who's managed to deal with his trauma easily and fix himself - know what to do with himself. Me.... I don't know," and tears began to form in her eyes once more.

"Hey, don't cry," and caressed her cheek in my hand. 

"I don't know what to do. My therapist advises me, and I have been following it. Even Choti Ma gave some advise and I guess she's right but... but...."

"But what?"

"I'm scared."

I couldn't help but to frown at her. "Scared?"

Khushi let out a scoff and grabbed my right arm. "You think of me as a warrior but I'm a fraud! I'm no warrior-"

"That's not true!"

"No? How can I really be one when I'm so scared of you?!"

What? "You're scared of me? But what have I done to-"

"Nothing! That's the thing! Nothing at all!"

"What-?"

"Arnav we're about to hit three months of this marriage. Then it's one more to match up to my previous one and I-! ...how is that you're so nice to me? Why-?"

"Please Khushi, not this again. I already told you that I'll give you a whole list and I have a meeting in the morning, so please, I'd like to get some sleep."

She let out a sigh, her shoulder sagging. "You love a fraud."

"I love a strong woman who knows what she wants."

"I don't know if I want you."

Pinching my lips together, I took in a deep breath and let it out. "Well, when you do," I said softly, "let me know."

I turned to leave once more, but Khushi didn't let go of her hold on me. "Khushi-"

"Thinking about it now, I mean it. At this point in time, I don't care - I don't care that I taunted you that night. I don't care that I teased you about the porn you watch, or if you prefer titties or ass."

Fucking hell, my cheeks are heating up again! "Khushi-"

"I don't care that you say what the all the time. I don't care that you blush at the sight of my flesh- I mean that would be dumb given that I nearly flashed my titties at you," she shrugged.

My eyes automatically widened on their own.

"Wait a minute, but I did though, didn't I? With the selfie I sent? I'm sure you got some nipple-"

"It's getting late-"

"Did you like it?"

"What-?"

"Did you like seeing me like that? Wearing nothing but your shirt and watch, nothing else underneath?"

"I-"

"I know I did. So much to the point where it turned me on to the extreme!"

What the-?

"I masturbated, you know."

My eyes widened on their own as my cheeks heated even more.

"I humped your pillow and fingered myself and came all over it," she shrugged ever so casually yet proudly.

She did what?!

"Don't worry, I washed everything so you would have no idea," she smiled, tilting her head up proudly.

My head immediately blanked as I gaped at her. Seeing me in my condition, a devilish grin spread across her lips and she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"How does it feel knowing that I masturbated to the thought of you? The wife that you've fallen in love with but doesn't return the emotion, has taken it upon herself to pleasure herself with the thought of you - the thought of your muscular arms, the thought of your ripped body, the thought of the glorious tattoos that cover it. Even the thought of those beautiful chocolate eyes and those soft luscious lips."

"Uh... I... um-"

She brought her thumb over my lower lip, grazing along it. "Not going to lie, the thought has me horny again - I'm soaking wet right now."

I tried to gulp away the knot in my throat.

She brought her lips closer to my ear. "Wouldn't you like to feel how wet I am," she murmured. "How wet I am for you? Only for you? How my core is thudding, how my body is aching, wanting you to touch and feel me? How heavy my breasts are, aching-"

I forced myself free from her hold, holding her at arms length. "Khushi, stop-!"

"Why should I? Isn't this what you want? You're in love with me, aren't you?"

"Yes, but-!"

"So then what's the problem? Take me! Make me yours-!"

"Khushi, you're really drunk-!"

"So? I know what I'm saying-"

"No, you don't-!"

"Take me, Arnav! You can lose your virginity tonight. You can finally feel a woman against you-"

"I don't care about feeling a woman against me-!"

"Not even the woman that you love? Come on Arnav, you don't mean that!"

With her right hand, she reached back and pulled on the string of her top, and I immediately looked away, squeezing my eyes shut.

"Don't do that, you know you want to look. Look, I'm even holding my shirt up and I'm not wearing a bra! You'll finally get to see real titties in front of you and not on a computer screen!"

I turned my back to her, still keeping my eyes shut. "Khushi, stop it-!"

"Why should I? This is what my ex-husband wanted. While he felt some way for me, I still hadn't, and he decided to take matters into his own hands. So why shouldn't I just do it first-"

"I am not him, I will never be anything like that fucking monster, nor will you ever make me turn into him! I. AM. NOT. HIM!"

I went to leave the closet when Khushi quickly came up behind me and grabbed me, wrapping her arms around my waist. 

"Don't go! You promised you'd never leave me," she said against me.

Taking in a deep breath, I let it out.

"You said you'd never ignore me again."

"What choice do you leave me with when you're forcing yourself on me," I sighed.

"I... I behaved like him didn't I?"

"What-? Khushi, no," and I turned around to her, thankfully Khushi being completely covered, although the strings of her top were dangling at her sides. "Khushi, you are nothing like that monster, don't you dare ever compare yourself to him!"

The tears in her eyes came back once more, only this time they flowed free, and it pained me to see her like this.

"Please don't cry," I said softly, wiping away her tears.

"I can't help it. It all just feels so fucking complicated!"

There she is....

"I mean... why does it have to be like this? Why can't things be easy? Why... why aren't you like him?"

"Because I'm not him... nor will I ever will be."

She pursed her lips together, glancing down. "Sometimes I wish you were. Then I could get away and never have to worry about being hurt ever again. "

"I told you Khushi - I don't want to hurt you, ever."

"I know... that's why at the same time I don't wish it because... because I don't... I don't want to be away from you."

She... she doesn't?

"I... fuck! I can be so strong about everything else and put random bitch ass strangers in their place, but when it comes to the man I'm married to, I can't do fucking shit cause I'm such a fucking coward that's scared fucking shitless!"

"Why? Why are you so scared, Khushi? What is it that you're afraid of-"

"Of getting hurt!"

What? 

"I don't want to get hurt again, Arnav! It'll absolutely destroy me! I can't... I won't...."

Khushi began to cry even more as her head bowed, and it hurt me to see her like this, so I pulled her into my arms. She wrapped her arms around me once more as she continued to cry.

"Why did it have to happen to me, Arnav? Why did this have to happen to me? Why did he try to rape me? Why-?"

"Hush, it's okay, Khushi," I soothed. 

"I never gave him any indication, I just simply tried to mentally prepare myself with the idea of falling in love with him because he was my husband! I never, ever did anything-!"

"I know, Khushi, I know... I understand."

"So why would he... why...?"

I tightened my hold on her. "Unfortunately, I don't have any answers to that. Why people- no, why certain creatures think in the way that they do... I don't think we'll ever have an answer to that," I sighed.

Khushi tilted her head up, resting her chin on my chest. "You're thinking of your grandfather, aren't you?"

I couldn't help but to let out a sigh. "You understand me so well."

"But you can't understand me because I won't let you."

"Khushi-"

"Things will change. I don't know how or when, but it'll change. Maybe with tonight it can change."

Again, I couldn't help but to sigh. "You're intoxicated Khushi. By morning, when you wake up, it'll all be forgotten. Now come on, it's very late and you should get to bed."

"Under one condition."

"Khushi-"

"Please."

Hearing the angst in her voice, how could I turn her down? "What condition?"

"You have to change me out of my clothes."

What the! "Khushi-!"

"I mean it Arnav; just like the way you took care of me last time after I had my episode, I want for you to do the same. Please."

"That was different, I had no choice! Why should I-?"

"I want you to prove to me that you are nothing like him."

"And how is doing that supposed to prove anything," I asked, annoyed.

This is absurd-!

"Just do it! Please, for me."

"Khushi-"

"So help me Arnav, if you don't fucking do what I say, then I will tie you down and make you watch me strip naked in front of you."

I couldn't help but to glare at her.

"There's that feisty side I caught a glimpse of from last time. Now do as I said, please."

What- this is insane!

"Please?"

This is just ridiculous, I mean-! ...She's not going to let this drop, is she? Until I prove her point, she won't let this go. And perhaps... perhaps she'll always do this. This is the most Khushi has opened up to me, ever. And maybe if she tests me like this, she'll learn to trust me more - see that I'll never do anything like that monster did.

She just may test me every day for the rest of our lives and...

And if that's what it takes then... "Fine."

Going to her side of the closet, I picked out a pair of sleepwear, picking up a pair of matching blue shorts and t-shirt. Going back to her, I placed it on the island and stood in front of her.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," she nodded.

I nodded in return and closed my eyes. Reaching forward, I got hold of her crop top and pulled it over her head. Setting it aside, I reached forward to find her leggings, sightly grazing her sides. A small gasp escaped from Khushi's lips, which only echoed in my ears.

Focus, Raizada! I know a lot has been said and revelations were made, but focus!

Moving my hands down, I found her leggings and pulled it down, bending down as I pulled them down along her legs. Tapping her foot, Khushi freed them one by one, and I moved the garment away.

"You forgot something," Khushi murmured.

My brows automatically wrinkled up on their own.

"My panties," she said softly.

What- shit! Um-

I felt Khushi place her hands on my arms and she moved my hands into hers. She brought them up, placing them at the waistband of her panties.

"Take them off," and it sounded as if she were panting.

This can't be good, but I just have to get this done with!

Quickly and swiftly, I pulled her panties down her legs, the fabric falling to the floor. Khushi made no movement, so I tapped her foot once more, only for her to then step out of them, and I placed them aside. I went to move so that I could grab her clothes, but Khushi quickly stopped me.

"Isn't this getting hard for you," she murmured.

I tried to gulp away the knot in my throat. "No."

"Liar."

I didn't say anything, simply staying put and still keeping my eyes shut.

"If I'm turned on, how can you not be?"

"Because I'm not."

"How can you have so much control?"

"I've done it all my life."

A small scoff escaped from her lips. "Of course; you being a virgin and all, it must be easy. Ignoring all the woman who fawn over you must be easy. I mean you paid no attention to the ones who were gawking over you at the club. They all wanted you!"

"I told you Khushi, I don't want anyone else but you."

"I tried to give myself to you; you didn't take it."

"You're drunk right now, it's wrong."

"I'm sane enough to know what I'm doing."

"So you say now."

"Arnav-"

"Can I finish my task? I do have a meeting in the morning."

"...fine."

Standing up, I reached over to the island and eventually found her clothes. Grabbing something and feeling it, I realized that I had grabbed the t-shirt, so I helped Khushi to put it on. Then I reached back and found the shorts, and knelt back down, holding them out, but she didn't move.

"Khushi, please step into them."

She placed her hands on my shoulders and moved closer, to the point where I could almost feel her against me... feel her thighs against me... smell her-

No! She's doing this on purpose, just- no!

I felt her step into the shorts and I swiftly pulled them up, getting back up on my feet. Finally, I opened my eyes, finding Khushi gazing up at me.

"Arnav-"

"That was cruel of you Khushi."

"I-"

Not bothering, I grabbed my clothes and headed into the bathroom.

That truly was very cruel of her to do. But then again, I know she's going to be testing me to prove to herself that I'll never be like that monster.

But will I be able to handle this cruelty again and again?