Warrior

66

Hard as it was, I tried to steer my mind clear of... things.

But it's really hard.

Especially since I'm surrounded by Arnav's- Arnav Singh Raizada's family. 

After getting back to the mansion I took a quick-but-didn't-want-it-to-be-quick shower, if you get what I mean. When I got downstairs for breakfast, everyone else was already seated. I mean Aryan Singh Raizada was sitting at the head of the table, Shalini Singh Raizada to his left. Madhav Singh Raizada sat to his brother's right, the two talking about stuff, while Varsha Singh Raizada sat to her husband's right. As for the boys, Akash and NK- Akash Singh Raizada and Nandkishore Singh Raizada, sat to Shalini's left. Obviously Firouz Singh Raizada and Maira Singh Raizada are still away on their trip, not to mention Arnav as- Arnav Singh Raizada as well, thus explaining their absence.

It just occurred to me that I've never really referred Akash and NK- Akash Singh Raizada and Nand- fuck it, I'm not using his full name, it's weird - NK Singh Raizada, as well... that - their full names. I do that with everyone else but then again, no offense to the boys but they're irrelevant... so to say- again, no offense! But that would explain the lack of using their full names.

Not the case anymore-

"Good morning, dove!"

Blinking out of my thoughts, I see Shalini Singh Raizada smiling at me. Pinching my lips together, I gave a small smile back and sat down next to Varsha Singh Raizada. Shalini started putting food on my plate, just as she pretty much always does, while Varsha poured some water for me. Not wanting to engage in any conversation nor be engaged into one, I immediately started eating, keeping my mouth full. Instead I listened to the various conversations around me - Aryan and Madhav Singh Raizada talking about some colleague who sucks at golf, Shalini and Varhsa Singh Raziada talking about the Singhania's tea party - which was later this Wednesday because what moron doesn't want to throw a tea party on a Wednesday - and Akash and NK Singh Raizada talking about some party.

The tea party isn't avoidable, that's fine. At least I'm out of the conversation-

"Bhabi, you have to join us!"

Say what now?

Looking up, I see that NK Singh Raizada is looking at me with wide hopeful eyes.

"It'll be super fun," Akash Singh Raizada said, and I see the same expression on his face as well

Uh-

"It's at the Mirage, it'll be totally cool," NK beamed.

I glanced between the boys, only to then notice the senior Raizada's looking at me as well.

What the fuck-!

"The party is tomorrow, by the way."

A frown instantly takes over my face. "You're inviting me to the club one day prior?"

"In our defense, we just found out last night," Akash said.

"And when was the idea of the party formed?"

"Last night," the boys said together.

Ah! I see.

"I'm sure you've got something in that massive closet you share with Nanav," NK smirked teasingly, arching his brow

"Damn right I do, but what if I didn't," and I mimicked him back.

"Knowing you ladies, you guys always have something," he chuckled.

"Words from experience, I assume?"

NK didn't respond, chuckling instead as he entangled his fingers in the back of his head.

Akash shook his head and then looked at me. "You'll join us though, won't you Bhabi? It beats sitting around and wasting the weekend. Not to mention you'll be distracted from missing Bhai all day," he smirked.

I can't help but to squint my eyes at him, and both boys smirk even more. It becomes clear to me that the way they smirk is very similar to the way Arnav does it. Heck, I've even seen the senior Raizada men do it, so I guess it should be dubbed as the Raizada smirk. Though at the same time it's nothing like Arnav's-

Stop it!

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out, I straightened my spine as I sat up. "I'm down."

"Yes," he cheered.

"I'm sure Nanav will be very happy to know that we did not allow his wife to be sad and constantly be missing him," NK teased.

Think what you want sweetie-pie, but that ain't the reason why I agreed to go. The reason why did agree to, however, is simply to keep my mind distracted and prevent any more thoughts of Arnav to- Arnav Singh Raizada to cross my mind.

And with all the alcohol that is guaranteed to come my way, I can't wait to have an Arnav-Singh-Raizada-free mind!

As breakfast continued on, the boys filled me in on more details of the party, though it was pretty clear none of it was cared for. What mattered was the excuse to go, the fun to have, and the drinks to pour. Once I did finish breakfast, however, I excused myself, making up how I would need loads of time to pick out an outfit.

Truth is I only have a few dresses in mind because I've been craving an excuse to wear them; it won't take me as long as I'm trying to claim.

But before I could leave, mama in-law called out from behind.

"Oh, Khushi, have you heard from Chote?"

Ugh! His other stupid nickname has feeling that stupid feeling again!

Turning back around, I looked at her. "No."

She pinched her lips together. "Hmm."

"Cheer up, jaaneman, he's most likely sleeping right now," Aryan Singh Raizada said to his wife.

All this time, and I still can't get over the fact that papa in-law calls mama in-law that - especially in front of everyone.

But get it, my guy! Teach these other old folks some shit!

"You're right," Shalini sighed. "After all, there's an 8 hour difference, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Even though she had that affirmation, her concern was still crystal clear. And it was evident by papa in-law's face that he knew what his wife was thinking. He glanced over at me, giving a small reaffirming nod that he'd take care of it, and I pinched my lips in return, then headed upstairs. I'm sure the reason why Aryan Singh Raizada did that was because he thought he was sparing me because he probably thought me seeing Shalini Singh Raizada like that would somehow affect me. But whatever, that's his mistake that I could care less to correct.

Getting back in my room, I went over to my bedside table and put my phone on charge. As my phone lit up with life, my eyes landed on the time.

Wait, it's only 10:14... but when Arnav te- when Arnav Singh Raizada texted me this morning- wait, what time did he text me?

Going to my text messages, I see that Arnav's text came a little after 8 in the morning.

8 AM? So it was 12 AM for him- why do I care? Who the fuck cares! It doesn't matter! What- Khushi, no!

Dropping my phone, I headed to the closet and looked through my things. There's five dresses that I definitely had in mind of wearing, and since I'm in no rush, nor do I have any desire to be around the others and just stick to myself, I holed myself up in the closet, taking my sweet ass time, going through outfits, pairing jewelry, and all of that fun stuff, straight into the afternoon. 

I know, it sounds wild that I did this for 4 hours. But hey, when you're trying to be anti-social, it ain't that fucking hard!

And I'll continue to do so with no struggle.

~

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