Warrior

18

It wasn't long until Shalini Singh Raizada called my mother. My mother was completely animated as she spoke away with her, evidently very happy. The vibe within the house changed immediately, no thanks to Amma of course. She worked out the details with Shalini and because neither could wait any longer, they wanted to do the engagement as soon as possible... which, after seeking permission from Arnav Singh Raizada and I, resulted in this happening on this Wednesday.

"Well, mom's hyped," Payal frowns.

"No kidding," I say, as we watch her going back and forth, talking away to the staff.

"She's happy," Babuji says, placing his arms around our shoulders.

"Happy is an understatement," Payal snorts, making Babuji laugh.

He then glances down at me and I look up at him. He gives a soft smile and places a kiss on the top of my head before leaning his head against mine.

This is actually happening.

*~*

Since there was only one day in between till the engagement, Payal dragged my ass to shops without a care, her sole focus on finding the perfect, bomb ass outfit, as she liked to put it. There really was no other choice but to comply with her - I mean despite everything, I was going to still dress my best.

After hours and hours of shopping, we were actually able to find an outfit for myself and Payal, and when we get home, we find Amma exactly the way we left her - running around like a chicken that got it's head cut off.

"I say we sneak past her," Payal whispers.

Smart girl.

We make our way to the stairs quietly, and when we get the chance, we dash upstairs and go running into my room.

"She's really lost it this time," Payal chuckles as she places down the bags in her hands.

"No kidding," and I set mine down as well, then sit down on my bed.

"At least she's happy. She's finally happy and her optimism is shining but...."

"But what," I frown, tilting my head.

She starts messing with her fingers in front of her. "It's just that... yeah Amma's happy but... are you?"

I don't say anything, waiting for her to continue.

"I mean... you were so mad last time and fought with them, and now... I guess I'm just confused. I mean, I get that I told you that you should agree but... why did you?"

Giving her a small smile, I pat on the space beside me and she sits down.

"Promise not to tell mom," I ask.

"Promise."

I tell her about how I had managed to acquire Shalini Singh Raizada's phone number - which makes Payal laugh - and how I had called her to arrange a meeting with Arnav Singh Raizada. I also tell Payal about how our evening at Lilia's went, of course, holding back a few details.

"Wait a minute! You lied to me about that night," she exclaimed.

I only shrug in return.

"Di!"

She tri5es to hit me but I dodge her and hold her back.

"That's so not cool!"

"Oh, calm down squirt! It was a secret for a reason-"

"A secret you could've shared with me!"

"You sure? Look at how loud you're screaming it now!"

"I-! Oop!"