Warrior - Chapter One Hundred

It's safe to say, not to mention thankfully, that things had changed for the better after that. After eating and having our second date there, but our third one ever, we made our way home in the shiny, jet black Lamborghini Urus, Dev and the security following in the Black Badge behind us. When we got back, everyone else was home, and when Mama caught sight of me, she gave me a small smile and nod, and I returned one to her as well.

Things are definitely taking a turn for the better.

And it definitely did as the next week went along. My uncle in-laws gained their titles of Bade Kaka and Kaka, as well. Kaki Ma spent two minutes of her time during one of my rehearsals at home so that she could get the idea she needed to, and for even the bit that she saw, she was very excited to see the full performance, to say the least. The others found it a bit unfair that she got a bit of a preview, but I still wasn't budging. I really don't want to turn this performance into a whole debacle, especially since it would mean Amma wouldn't even catch a whiff of it! I'll see later if I want her to know about my performance, but that all depends on my mood.

But my main focus of this week was rehearsals, and I practiced really hard, making sure to have it all finessed in time for the performance. Asides from that, however, was Arnav.

Funny how things can just change in a week. Nowadays, my desire to be around him was increasing, day after day - I just wanted to be with him. When we would get home from work, we would spend some time together, Arnav telling me more things about him, from the good and the bad, before I would go down to do my practice in the ballroom. But for those brief moments we would be together, I could only wish that they lasted longer. Sometimes I hated the fact that I would have to leave to practice, but a commitment is a commitment, and I knew my priorities. At night, I could no longer resist and would sleep next to Arnav, forgetting about the large space that this ginormous bed of ours had.

Space that could be used for-

No! Don't go there... don't.

...Not yet, at least.

It's too bad Dr. Leela isn't back yet. She had texted me, just to let me know that it would still be a while before she got back and apologized. It turned out that her father had gotten really sick, so I didn't blame her for being away for as long as she needed. It sucked a little that I didn't have her advice, but I guess for now, I have to run on my own thoughts and what I wanted.

Finally, the day of my performance arrived. It would be happening in the evening, which gave me more than enough time to get ready. Mama being the way that she is, got a whole glam squad for me, and though I must admit it's a little unfair that I'm getting this treatment while the other girls didn't, I couldn't help but let myself feel a little spoiled in the moment - and I totally enjoyed it! Not only that, but I finally got to see what this outfit was that Kaki Ma had been preparing for me, and I must admit, it is abso-fucking-tively gorgeous! No one else but Kaki Ma had seen it, and now me with the glam squad. Everyone was waiting for me downstairs and to be honest, it felt like I was going to fucking prom. But I guess none of them ever got this kind of experience, especially since every couple has son.

Not you and Arnav though-

No! I'm not going there! Pipe down and cool it!

All set and ready to go, I opened the door to head down, but immediately came face to face with Arnav.

"Whoa!"

I can't help but to frown at him, tilting my head. "Whoa, watch where you're going, or whoa, whoa?"

"Whoa, whoa."

"Aww, thanks," and I reached up and kissed his cheek.

His cheeks immediately blossomed, which only made my heart thump.

Yeah, that's been happening a lot recently.

"Uh, they were getting a little impatient downstairs, so they sent me up. Shall we get going?"

"We shall."

The both of us headed downstairs, and as soon as the ladies saw me, they all gasped.

"Oh my gosh," Mama gushed.

"You look stunning," Choti Ma exclaimed.

"Exactly how I envisioned," Kaki Ma clapped. "Just like how Madhuri looked when she performed the song at that award show!"

I gave a little twirl for them and all of them gushed.

"Doesn't she look amazing," Mama gushed.

"Absolutely," Pops grinned.

"What do you think Chote?"

I glanced up at Arnav as he glanced down at me.

I wonder what's his opinion?

"I think she looks like an angel," Arnav smiled softly.

Oh?

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted," Kaki Ma beamed.

"Job well done," Bade Kaka smiled at his wife.

"Definitely," I nodded.

"Um, but I must say," Arnav frowned. "It's a bit deceptive, don't you think?"

Excuse me?

"After all, all of the aunties are scared of her like she's the devil."

Everyone else started to laugh while I nudged him, scowling at him.

He may not be wrong, but excuse me! I can be an angel when I want to be!

"Chote, stop pestering her," Mama frowned.

"Exactly," and I twitched my lips and went over to her.

"Ignore him, boys will be boys."

Arnav only chuckled in return.

"So, nervous?"

"A bit," I admitted. "It's only natural, since it's been so long. Anxious is definitely the better word."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do just fine. You've been practicing really hard, and I just know you'll be amazing!"

"Only time will tell- or rather, Akash's footage. Did he leave already?"

"Yeah," NK nodded. "He said he needed to set things up."

Makes sense, makes sense....

"Chote, you'll be taking Khushi, won't you," Pops asked.

Oh?

"Yeah, I'm taking her," Arnav nodded.

Oh!

Take me in-!

Oh would you stop! Maybe morphing with the voice was a bad idea, now all of her kinks are joined in! ...then again, she was my conscious so... technically that's what I've always been thinking... including the kinks....

Shit-!

"We should get going," Arnav said.

Right!

Normally I'm not one to do this, but it's something that's been drilled into my head from a young age, so I sought blessings from all of the elders, which they all happily gave, and finally we headed off, taking the shiny, jet black Lamborghini Urus. About an hour later, we finally arrived at the Academy.

"Ready," Arnav asked.

"I don't really have much of a choice," I pointed out.

"Maybe, but still."

"I'm a little anxious but... I think I'll be fine... I think."

"Hey, look at me," Arnav said softly, turning to me.

Turning in my seat, I looked at him.

"I know you'll be absolutely amazing! You're doing them a great service by doing this and not only will the parents of the students be proud of them, but they'll be thankful when they learn that you agreed to take your place and let the show happen."

"I know... I'm just a little worried about freezing up. It's been so long since I last performed."

"Mm... I know! If for whatever reason you start to feel a little stage fright, just imagine that all of the aunties are the conniving ones that only want to mock you."

"Really," and I arched my brow at him, though I was very much entertained.

"Absolutely! Just think of it as you putting them in their place and showing them what you're really made of."

"Right, cause I'm the devil they're scared of," I smirked.

"Bingo," he smirked back.

"Ah! You are such a pain sometimes," and I slightly shoved him, which only made him laugh.

"Hey, knock it off! This isn't very angelic of you to do!"

"I thought I was a devil," I laughed.

"Maybe a bit of both," he also laughed.

Much better!

I finally stopped, moving back into my seat. "Thank you, I needed that."

"You needed to push me?"

"I needed a way to relax, which thanks to you, I am."

"Happy to hear," he smiled genuinely.

Hmm.... "There's one more thing you could do that would help me relax even more."

"What?"

"...Kiss me."

Arnav's eyes immediately widened as he gaped at me in shock and blush filled his cheeks. The sight of him made me laugh, the poor boy now as red as a tomato.

"I knew saying that would get you all red like that," I laughed.

"What the-! Khushi-!"

"Now I'm even more relaxed thanks to you. Now I better get going," and I reached over and kissed him on his cheek. "I'll call you when it's over," and I left the car.

This man will never change, will he?

*~*

Backstage was an absolute hellhole! I mean all the fussing and all the nonsense like fuh! King! Hell!!!!!!!

Can I just be done with this shit?

But of course, each class was going to go, so I had to wait my turn, so no I couldn't just be done with it!

"Uh oh, what's this face I see?"

Turning around, I scowled at Vikrant.

"We can't have that expression when we're on stage, now then can we?"

"Stop treating me like I'm one of your toddler students," and the man chuckled.

"Why so moody, Khushi?"

"I just want to get this done with!"

"Ah! I see. Well, there's this performance, and then you guys go."

"Ugh! That's still a whole performance to end."

Vikrant chuckled in return. "You act this way now, but when it's over, you'll be sad that is."

I couldn't help but to scoff. "Doubt it."

"We'll see. Just please, don't scowl when you're on stage. It's a romantic song, think romantic!"

Oh? "Oh?"

"Think of... oh! Just think of your husband!"

"My husband?"

"Yes, your husband. You love him don't you?"

I forced myself from widening my eyes and looked away.

"Aww, don't be shy Khushi! Just think of the love that you have for your husband, and you won't even have to think of keeping a good expression on your face. It'll all come naturally."

"What bull-!"

Just then Radhika came running over. "Alright Khushi, time to get ready! You guys go on stage next, let's get everything set up," and she ushered me off.

What the f-!

*~*

When the previous performance ended, the curtains shut and the lights went down, and our performance was set up. All the girls took their place, as did I. While Vikrant announced the names of the students to the audience in the amphitheater and did his whole spiel, Radhika got us all prepared and set. Finally it was time for the lights to go on and the curtains to rise, and all I could hear was the thudding in my chest. It was as if everything around me had slowed down, moving painfully slowly, as did the sounds of cheering and the sounds of clapping. Every time someone clapped, it sounded as if it were amplified, hurting my ears.

Shit, if it's like this, how will I hear the music? Fuck-!

"Don't scowl when you're on stage. It's a romantic song, think romantic!"

Think romantic?

"Just think of your husband!"

"My husband?"

"Yes, your husband. You love him don't you?"

Do I?

"Just think of the love that you have for your husband, and you won't even have to think of keeping a good expression on your face. It'll all come naturally."

If that's the case then... then....

I'll try it.

Just like that, things came back to regular speed and the thudding of my heart didn't fill my ears, nor did the sound of clapping echo. I heard the song come on, and just like that, I was able to do my performance. 

Sure, this was quite a slow song, and for a girl who gave up this shit for more fast paced, not to mention hip hop... I didn't mind it. No, I didn't mind it at all and actually... I'm enjoying this. And oddly enough, taking in Vikrant's advice is actually helping me. It's strange, I know, but... but it's working.

In fact it's working too well... because all I can see is Arnav.

I know, it's crazy! It sounds sappy! It sounds ridiculous, and yet... everyone else is gone. There's no one else here... just Arnav and me. For a brief second I felt panic because I mean come on, I've never danced in front of Arnav! Dancing at the party of our wedding is one thing, but this is a choreographed performance! And yet, once that brief second passed... it was easy. In fact, it was nothing! All the nerves and anxiety that I had felt prior to the performance... it's all gone now.

I don't feel any of it.

I feel free.

...I feel...

I feel love.

And the more I dance, the more I see Arnav, and as he dances with me, the feeling only increases! My heart is absolutely bursting with joy that I never even realized that we had reached the end of the performance, not until everyone started clapping. It was the clapping that brought me back to reality, not to mention the cheering, and I saw the others bowing, so I quickly bowed as well and quickly made my way off of the stage.

What in the fucking hell was that-!

"Oh my gosh Di!"

Turning around, squirt came running into me, throwing herself into my arms.

"Payal-!"

"Oh my gosh Di, you were absolutely fantastic! Everyone is going to freak when they-!"

"What are you doing here?"

"I came here to see you," she frowned.

"Where were you before?"

"Oh, I just hung out with Akash in case you got all pissy if you saw me and started asking 101 questions about Amma and make your mood even worse. And before you ask, no, she has no idea."

Well that's a relief- wait! "You were with Akash this whole time?"

"Yeah! I wanted to see how he does his whole thing, and I gotta say, it's pretty cool."

Huh. "Uh... huh."

"Di, don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like that. Stop it."

"Whatever you say squirt, but tell me this - Akash got everything right?"

"Oh for sure! And seriously Di, you were absolutely amazing! Like for real, out of this world!"

I think in that moment I was out of this world.

"I can't wait to see the final cut, Akash is gonna edit it and make it look all cool and what not. I heard your in-laws are all excited to see it."

"Oh boy, aren't they."

"And I heard Akash's mom chose this outfit for you. It's really pretty!"

"She has really good taste in fashion. Anyways, I need to call Arnav. Akash is here till the end of the show, right?"

"Yeah, and I think there's this performance now, and then one more."

"Which means it'll be some time before he leaves. Then I'll just call Arnav and have him pick me up- wait a minute!"

Fuck!

Reaching into the pockets of my lehenga - which glory to the makers who put pockets on these types of clothes - I found them to be empty.

"Fuck! Where's my phone?!"

"What-"

"I had my phone! I had my phone with me in the car, Arnav dropped me off... shit! Where the fuck did I put it?"

"Calm down Di, think it through. Better yet, let me call it," and she reached into her pocket and pulled her phone out.

Fucking hell, where the fuck did I put my phone?!

"It's ringing," she let me know. "I- hello?"

Who the fuck has my phone and wants to fucking die?!

"Jij! What a relief!"

Wait, what-?

"Di thought she lost her phone! ...oh, okay," and she covered her phone and looked at me. "You left it in the car."

"What- no I did not," and I grabbed her phone from her.

"Hey-!"

"I did not forget my phone," I scowled.

"Uh, well it's in the car and I'm currently talking on it."

"Are you smirking," I asked, squinting as if he could see me.

"Me? Why would I do that?"

"Oh you're smirking, I just know you are!"

His chuckle only confirmed that I was right.

"I put my phone in my pocket," I huffed.

"You have pockets," and I just know that he's frowning.

"Kaki Ma is as sensible as she is fashionable, I'll have you know."

"Oh? So suddenly you know Kaki Ma better than me?"

"I know that I do."

"Oh really?"

"Duh!"

"Arrogance doesn't really help much, you know."

"Oh, so I'm being arrogant now am I-?"

"Will you two stop flirting over my phone," Payal huffed, grabbing her phone back.

"Squirt-!"

"Sorry Jij; sure it's all cute and what not that you two are flirting, but I have my life too, and I would prefer the two of yours flirting not to be done on my phone."

Obviously, I couldn't hear what Arnav was saying, but I was curious.

"Jij asked me to ask if my Di wanted to get picked up now."

"Oh! Your Di, huh? Not his wife, not the use of my name, but your Di."

"Uh oh Jij-"

"Tell him not to worry about it! I'll stick out this stupid show and leave with Akash!"

With a twitch of my lips, I walked away, getting away from all of this commotion.

Hmph! He was a lot better when he was dancing with me... in my imagination.

Heading outside, I went to a bench and sat down, enjoying the slight evening breeze.

I can't believe I actually... I mean I actually took Vikrant's advice and... and it worked! But I mean... do I love Arnav? Well given Vikrant's words, I guess his advice only would've worked if I did love Arnav... and his advice did work. In fact, it worked way too well, so... so....

I felt my heart thump in my chest, and it felt very foreign.

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Whoa! What... what is this feeling, what...?

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

I placed my hand over my chest, wishing for my heart to calm down, but instead it increased because all I could see in my mind was Arnav. His small, polite smile had taken over my mind, making my heart thump more and more.

"Di!"

Opening my eyes, I looked up to see Payal. At first she looked quite annoyed with me, but when she got closer and saw how I was, her face quickly filled with concern.

"Di, are you alright? Are you okay," and she placed the back of her hand on my forehead.

"I'm fine squirt, trust me... I'm fine."

"But your hand-"

"I'm fine, trust me Payal. ...maybe a little psyched out and possibly a bit terrified, but... I'm good."

"Is it after-show jitters?"

"Sure, let's call it that."

"Well... okay. I told Jij to ignore your pain-in-the-ass self and to come pick you up."

I immediately scowled at her.

"Oh would you stop! Stop being so fussy and enjoy yourself! You guys are cute!"

Enjoy myself?

"Look, I don't know what the relationship is between you guys, but from where I stand, it looks a hell of a lot better than it did a few months ago."

"...you think so?"

"I know so. Things have changed between you two, and for the better... and it makes me happy. After what happened last time...."

I placed my hand of her's giving it a squeeze.

"Jij is an amazing guy. And I think he cares for you... and maybe you also care for him?"

"What do you think? Honestly."

"I think you do. I can't explain it Di, but seeing you perform just now... I wanted to think that you were thinking of Jij."

How did she-!

"Of course, I might be wrong; I don't know what goes on in that head of yours, but... but I think you care for him. Both of you do, and hopefully, it'll one day become even more than just caring, and you two can finally be love birds!"

"I bet you'd like that."

"Yes, and while I'd like it, you'd love it! You deserve love Di, don't ever forget that. We all love you, no matter what. But family-love is one thing... love from a partner is another. You deserve that. And Jij is an amazing guy, who I'm sure absolutely adores you! Now if only you'd return it."

"Oh? And if I did?"

"Well then girl, I gave you a négligée not that long ago, so you better show that man what you're made of, honey!"

"You-! Honestly Payal, you're so stupid sometimes," and the both of us laughed.

But she had a point... now that I know that I'm in love with Arnav Singh Raizada, she definitely had a point, indeed.