Warrior

80

Once I managed to clear my mind, I quickly got in the shower, making quick work of myself, then went into the closet with my robe on.

Dammit, what to wear? I mean Shalini is obviously making a big deal out of her son's return, so I don't think a T-shirt and sweats are going to cut it - not that she'd ever say anything to me, but given how much I know her? It would've bother her. 

No, bumming it out with sweats isn't going to quite do it; I'll have to fancy it up a bit, but not too fancy like we're throwing a ball.

Hmm....

Glancing through my clothes, my eyes landed on a red, off-the-shoulders maxi dress. It had white floral prints on it, and of course, a slit but on the right leg.

Looks like we've got a winner here.

Taking it off the hanger, I got out of my robe and put on the dress. I made quick work of my hair, semi-drying it, and then made quick work of my face, keeping the makeup casual.

Should I put my hair up? ...mm, no, I think it looks good with the soft waves, especially since I'm wearing an off-the-shoulders type dress, and-

A knock came at the door, interrupting my thoughts. "Bhabi, Nanav's car just pulled up," I heard NK call out.

Oh shit!

Grabbing my phone and slipping it into the pocket of my dress - which by the way, how come most dresses don't have pockets? That should be a fucking crime! Anyways, I put my phone in my pocket, then opened the door and went rushing past NK.

Shit! How am I late despite being here!

I rushed down the halls, NK right on my heels. As soon as we got to the stairs, Shalini's voice filled the air.

"Chote!"

Looking down over the rails, I see an ecstatic Shalini throw her arms around Arnav, who is hugging his mother in return.

He's back.

Once Shalini released him, Aryan Singh Raizada hugged him, the old man clapping his son's back.

He's really back.

One by one, the other senior Raizada's took turns hugging and welcoming him back, Shalini standing on the side with tears as her husband consoled her. Suddenly she started to look around, a small frown on her face, until she looked up at me.

"There you are, dove!"

As soon as the words were said, everyone started took in my direction, as well as Arnav. As soon as his eyes landed on me, I felt the wind get knocked right out of me.

What the fuck?

Who cares! Doesn't it feel great?

Um, no! You fucking psychopath-!

He's actually back!

Blinking out of my thoughts, I glanced at everyone and slowly started making my way down the stairs. While the rest of the clan was smiling at me with joy, Arnav was smiling at me with... well I can't quite put my finger on it. Sure, it's obvious he's happy to see me, but there's just something else to it....

I just don't have a fucking clue as to what it is.

Whatever it is, it's making something bubble within me. It was just like the time when he left for his trip, the stupid swirling feeling returning!

What the fuck, Khushi? Again? Again with this shit? Why- oh, fuck it all to hell!!!

Without another thought, I charged my way over to Arnav, not giving a single fucking shit about the others, and threw my arms around him as I buried my face in his chest.