The Reveal (IPKKND Secret Romance #3) (aka Our Revelation)

Chapter 3: Disquiet

Aakash was the first to jolt out of the surprised stupor.

"Dadi!" he stood and led her to the sofa, seating her beside Payal, "we uhh ... we have something to tell you."

Aakash hovered awkwardly next to the sofa as Nani took them all in. Di fidgeted with her sari under her scrutiny, and Arnav pressed his lips together when his grandmother turned her stern gaze on him.

"What are you children up to?" she asked, not looking away from Arnav.

He had the impression that she knew everything and was simply awaiting his confession before pronouncing judgment. Something about the way she looked at him brought out his combative side.

Keep calm, Khushi had reminded him as they'd practiced on the phone last night, breathe deeply, and remember that we hid this from them. They'll be upset, but they'll come around. We'll make them understand.

And for the second time in an hour, Arnav announced his intentions.

"Nani, I ... I want to marry Khushi."

There was a beat of silence as Nani looked around the room. Arnav prepared himself for an argument.

"Okay. I'll call Madhumati-ji and tell her we're visiting tomorrow. Anjali-bitya, Payal-bitya, come with me. We have lots to do for the Shagun."

She walked out of the room without a backward glance, leaving Di and Payal to follow after exchanging perplexed looks with Aakash and himself.

"That's it?" he asked his brother, bewildered.

"Uhh," Aakash rubbed the back of his neck, still staring at the door after Payal and Di, "I think so. That was easy."

"Too easy," he agreed.

Arnav hurried out, jogging along the corridors and taking the stairs two at a time. He found the women in the living room.

"Nani?" he came to a stop in front of her, "is everything okay?"

"Yes Chhote, why wouldn't it be?"

"Oh, no. It's just ..." he looked at his sister for help.

"Nani," Di interjected, "we're just wondering. You haven't asked any questions, you didn't object ..."

"Why would I object?" Nani seemed genuinely confused, "Khushi is a wonderful girl, she'll be a perfect daughter-in-law, we get along with Madhumati-ji and her parents, and Payal has already married into this house. Where's the problem?"

Nani looked at Payal.

"Payal-bitya, do you see any problems?"

"N-no, Dadi-ji. I ... I don't see any problems."

"So," Nani turned back to him, triumphant, "do you see a problem, Chhote?"

"No?" he ventured.

"Good. Now sit down. I have to talk to Madhumati-ji about this."

Arnav sank into the nearest couch, still disoriented over the whole thing. He'd expected arguments, disappointments, objections, maybe even a few tears. He watched Nani make the phone call.

"Hello, Madhumati-ji? This is Devyani speaking ... Yes, we're all very well here, thanks to Devi Maiya's blessing ... Yes ... Yes ... Payal-bitya is doing very well here, we're all very impressed with her. Yes ... She made kheer on her first morning ... Well she is your niece; of course she added kessar to it. ... Oh yes? I'm glad the Pag Phera rituals went well, Payal was very happy when she returned last night ... ... Well Madhumati-ji, I'm calling to ask if the family might visit tomorrow afternoon, I have something I want to discuss ... No, no, nothing's wrong, it's just better if we all talk in person. Will Garima-ji and Shashi-ji be there? ... Well ..."

A buzzing from his phone distracted Arnav, and he pulled it out to see that Khushi had messaged him.

Is that Nani-ji on the phone with Bua-ji?

Smiling, he typed out a reply.

Yes. We're coming over tomorrow. Pack a bag, baby, I'm coming to take you home.

"There Chhote," Nani smiled as she placed the landline on the table, "We'll go to Khushi-bitya's house tomorrow and ask for her hand."

"Kya?!" [What!?]

Mami stood in the entrance hall, frozen in shock.