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

Chapter 7: Welcome

Something inside him twisted and then uncoiled. He closed his eyes.

"N-no," he heard his grandmother say, "We've long admired and loved Khushi-bityaa. You've given her an outstanding upbringing and instilled excellent values in her. She brings laughter in our lives. I don't know when she became an essential to our family, but I can't deny that she plays a special part in all our lives. When Chhote told us that he wants to marry her, we had to come and ask for her hand."

Arnav opened his eyes and watched Khushi blush at the praise.

Bua-ji looked at Payal, "Payaliya, can I speak to you? Alone."

Payal followed her into the adjoining room, where he and the rest of his family couldn't hear their hushed words. And then Bua-ji raised her voice.

"Payal, that poor boy doesn't even like Khushi and you want them to get married! It's very inappropriate for you to suggest that Khushi be married into the same family as you just because you miss her. If you miss home and Khushi so much, you should visit more."

Arnav blinked at Di and Aakash as he suppressed the urge to laugh. The idea that anyone would have to force him to marry Khushi was utterly absurd. He turned to Khushi, expecting to find her grinning, but she wasn't there.

"And you!" Bua-ji's voice rang out, "Sanka Devi, why are you sitting there so quietly? You can't even stand to be around him. You're always complaining about how rude and strict he is. You call him ... what do you call him? ... Oh yes. Laad Governor."

Khushi spoke for a minute, her voice soft and low.

"LOVE HIM!" Bua-ji shrieked, "YOU LOVE HIM?"

Nani smiled at Garima-Aunty reassuringly when she squirmed in discomfort. Di was holding back laughter and Mama leaned precariously in his seat to get a glimpse of the other room. Mami pulled him back, scowling as she mumbled something about improper behaviour.

Aakash clapped Arnav on the back as he stood to join the family in the other room. Garima-Aunty followed.

There were a series of low murmurs – first Payal, then Aakash, and then Bua-ji. Arnav heard Aunty mention Lavanya, heard Bua-ji ask after his engagement, and heard Payal and Aakash do their best to explain. He winced as Bua-ji mentioned the awkward position they were in - a refusal had the potential to sour relations between the two families permanently.

Deciding that he needed a distraction, Arnav took the opportunity to kneel beside Shashi-Uncle.

"Uncle, do you need anything?" Shashi-Uncle shook his head. "Are you sure? I can get you water."

Uncle shook his head again. Nodding, Arnav started to get up, but Uncle's grip tightened on his hand. He raised a hand to Arnav's head, who bent to receive his blessing. He heard Nani and Di gasp behind him.

"Thank you," he spoke around a sudden tightening in his chest, "I'll keep Khushi happy, I promise."

Arnav belatedly noted that he couldn't hear anything from the next room and stood as everyone returned. Khushi smiled as she came to stand beside him, checking on her father. He ran his fingers across the back of her hand before resuming his seat, where he raised an eyebrow at Aakash. His brother shrugged, refusing to answer the silent question.

"Apparently, we've all been kept in the dark about certain truths," Bua-ji scowled at Khushi before turning her gaze on him, "Youngsters these days."

Arnav willed himself not to smile.

"I've always liked Arnav-bitwaa," confessed Garima-Aunty, "and I know my husband likes him too. I think he'll make our daughter very happy."

Di reached across Nani to take Khushi's hand.