Warrior

31

It wasn't long before my other in-laws finally came down and joined us for breakfast. Whatever food had gotten cold was heated up, and the family dynamic around me only added up. I didn't say much unless necessary, mainly observing the people around me. It became clear rather quickly that the love these people shared for one another, was in fact, very genuine.

"By the way Pari Ma," NK began, "what's this function that's going on later today?"

Another function? Well, given past experience, I have a hunch I know what it is.

"We'll be having friends and relatives come over to bless Khushi," Shalini Singh Raizada smiled. "All of the ladies will be coming by."

"Are we getting kicked out of this," Akash frowned.

"No, there's no issue in you boys staying. You can keep Chote company while everyone gives their attention to Khushi."

All on me huh? Yay.

"Sure," Akash shrugged lightly. "Though I have to ask, is this really necessary?"

"Yeah," NK agreed. "I mean we just saw these people yesterday," he frowned.

"It's tradition," Varsha replied.

"But it's so weird," Akash frowned.

"It's something you boys just don't understand," Maira chuckled lightly.

Akash and NK simply looked at each other and then shrugged. "If you say so," they both said together.

"Splendid," Shalini beamed. "We have a few hours before the decorators arrive and fix up the ballroom. Then the guests will slowly arrive and I want each of you boys to be ready on time, understood?"

Arnav, Akash, and NK nodded.

"Have you given Khushi her sari," Maira asked Shalini.

"Oh-! I almost forgot! How could I-? Khushi, come upstairs with me, you're going to love the sari I chose for you."

Excitement was ever so evident on Shalini's face and I just simply nodded. The family slowly dispersed and as I followed Shalini out, I glanced over at Arnav to see him looking at me with a small, loving smile.

Well that's different.

I followed Shalini out of the dining room and followed her upstairs. We headed right and walked down the halls, then reached her bedroom. She opened the door and led me inside, and as soon as we walked past the small gallery, I spotted a large portrait of Aryan and Shalini Singh Raizada hanging over their bed, both embracing each other as they gazed into each other's eyes. The love that they had for each other was crystal clear, just like the way you would see it in real life. 

"Caught the photo, huh," Shalini chuckled lightly.

Kind of hard to miss when it's smacked right in front of you.

"Aryan insisted on us getting our photo taken that day. He wanted to recreate our wedding photo," she smiled.

I looked at her in confusion and she pointed behind me. Turning around, I see another picture of a 15 year old Aryan and a 15 year old Shalini. Unlike in the other photo where Shalini was completely decked out, in the old one, she barely had any jewelry. All she had on in the old photo was a small gold necklace around her neck, as well as her mangalsutra, and some tiny, dangling gold earrings. She was beaming with love and delight, gazing up at her husband, and Aryan looked back at her with the same adoration. Between the old picture and the new one, it was evident that love was still there, perhaps even more now.

"Here you are Khushi, your sari," I heard Shalini say.

I bring my attention back to her and see a scarlet red sari in her hands, which she's holding out for me.