Chapter Fourteen

Holy cow, I'm getting married! I'm going to become a married person! A bride! A wife!!!

No matter how many times the thought went through my mind and I blinked through it, it didn't get any easier. I was still frozen, sitting on my bed in my pj's with my makeup still on.

I'm getting married!!

"Sanka devi! Time to come back to earth," Buaji's voice echoed.

I looked up and found her in front of me. When did she get here? 

She waved her hand in front of me. "Sanka devi."

Her waving hand began to annoy me and I reached out to stop it. "Buaji," I whined.

"Now that's more like it." She sat down in front of me. "Tell me, what's going on in that head of yours."

"I just.... I'm getting married."

Buaji chuckled. "Yes, that you are."

"It just... it feels like... I don't know! I just...."

Buaji began to chuckle, which annoyed. "He truly has left his affect on you."

I frowned. "Buaji!"

Reaching back for my hair, I gathered it up and put it into a messy bun. I really needed to get the gunk off of my face yesterday, ugh. I got up and went past Buaji to my vanity to get out my makeup remover wipes.

"Oh! He truly has left his affect on you."

I looked at her through the mirror. "What's that supposed to mean,"I asked, holding the makeup wipe at my cheek.

"Your neck."

I glanced at my neck. "What's wrong with my neck?" It seemed just fine.

Buaji chuckled. "The other side," she smirked.

My eyebrows scrunched on its own, and I moved the makeup remover wipe to my other hand to clean the other side of my face. "What other- oh my devi-!"

My hand shot straight to my neck and praying that Buaji really hasn't made this discovery, I removed my hand.

"Oh m-!" There's a freaking hickey on my neck!!! But how?!

Memories flashed through my head, remembering the incidents that had occurred at the poolside. For a moment, I could still feel his lips lingering on mine, as if they they truly were right now.

"That must have been an amazing kiss."

I snapped out of my thoughts and found my hand over my lips, and moved them away.

Buaji came chuckling over to me and tilted my head the other way to inspect the hickey. "That's some mouth he's got."

What in the world?!

I moved away from Buaji and she laughed, tossing her head back. While she laughed, I grumbled and looked in the mirror at my poor neck.

Or rather, not so poor. It actually looks cool! And sexy as fuck!

But I'll have to cover it, no one can know. Speaking of which....

I turned to Buaji with my finger pointed at her. "Tell. No one."

She placed her hand over her heart while holding the other one up. "Promise."

We shook on it and I shooed her off. I needed a moment to process all of this. I was getting married, like actually getting married! And how many guys have we met along the way? Who would've thought we'd finally find the one. The one I wanted. I can't explain it, but... but my heart wants this.

And I trust my heart.

But is Arnav my Mr. Perfect?

Dashing to my closet and rummaging through hundreds of boxes, I found just the thing I was looking for - my old diary. I used this around the time I was 18. In this diary, I had created a list, containing qualities I wanted in my Mr. Perfect. As the years went on, the list grew. Obviously it isn't complete, I mean there's so much more to experience and to add, I'm sure, but this was what I had so far:

1. Romantic
2. Strong
3. Built
4. Nice body
5. Smooth chest
6. Nice hair
7. Amazing eyes
8. Kissable soft lips
9. Has good taste in clothes
10. Has bummy swag (as in sweats and t-shirt)
11. Knows how to dress
12. Dances-ish
13. Money
14. Good education
15. Good job
16. Will tolerate long shopping
17. Will tolerate romantic, sappy movies
18. Makes me feel special
19. Has a nice car (Audi!)
20. Wants to have a family
21. Does those cute Tumblr things with baby (think of those cute daddy-and-baby pics)
22. Clean (shaves)
• But still looks good with scruff
23. Will take care of me when I'm sick
24. Will take care of me when I'm emotional
25. Will hold me after an emotional rollercoaster in a book
26. Makes teasing jokes
• Which can lead on to la-di-da-dum ;)
27. Regular jokes as well
28. Says "I love you" often
29. Will actually admit when he looks at other women
30. Calls mom now and then
31. NO SMOKING!
32. NO DRINKING!
• okay, maybe sometimes O=)
33. Meat lover!
34. Must be able to swim (cause I can't)
35. Ride a bike
36. Can change a tire
37. Watches football (cause someone has to be able to teach me)
38. MUST DRIVE!!!!
39. MUST be able to CARRY ME!!!
40. Knows how to smooth talk with the family
41. Isn't afraid to cry
42. Act dramatic now and then in a joking way
43. Buys gifts now and then, surprisingly
44. Will hit dialogues now and then
45. Adventurous
46. Knows how to start a "moment" ;)
47. Knows how to take charge of things
• even in naughty ways ;)
48. Holds my pillow in his sleep when I'm not there
49. Lets me make him my pillow :)
50. Drunk from his love (all hail Queen Bey!)

Now, okay, I know there's no such thing as perfection when it comes to a person, it's just not possible! But a girl can always dream, right? And some of these things aren't so bad. I mean romantic, strong, and built?

Hmm... is Arnav any of these things? Maybe romantic, though that's a long-term thing which can be confirmed later. Strong and built? Seems so. I wonder if he can carry me? He's got a good looking body, but his chest is yet to be confirmed.

There was a knock at the door and I shoved my old diary under my pillow. "Come in."

Don't judge me!

Amma came grinning in, her face ready to split in two. "Guess what," she sang.

"What," I tried to match her tone of voice.

"They want us over for breakfast tomorrow morning!"

Oh? "Oh?"

"Yes! So pick out something nice to wear for tomorrow morning. You are their future daughter in law after all!"

Amma beamed from end to end as she left the room. I think her screws came loose in all of the excitement.

Breakfast with the Raizada's, eh? Reaching for my diary, I went through the list again.

Maybe I'll be able to confirm more of these points on the list.

*~*

Breakfast at the Raizada household was grand, I mean, you've got to look at the family to understand why. Everyone was at the table except for my future husband and curiosity was truly killing the cat as I nonstop wondered where he was.

What can I say? That this was the Arnav Singh Raizada affect? ...perhaps.

And I'm kind of loving it. Drunk from his love? Well I'm not sure if it's love-love but it's definitely something.

"Hey Khushi, want a tour," Anjali asked.

"Um..." I glanced at my parents.

"If it's okay with your parents," and she looked at my parents.

Amma and Babuji both nodded and Anjali grinned. I followed up after her and she showed me around the house. It's not so bad, and I'm sure I won't get lost.

"And now, best for last, your future bedroom," she grinned.

Opening the doors Anjali led me in to Arnav's bedroom. To be honest, I didn't expect much because men are men, lost at so many things, even decor. But Arnav's room wasn't as bland as I would have thought it to be. It was decent, simple decor here and there, one wall filled with black and white pictures of a variety of structures from around the world. There were a few pictures of the family here and there. The furniture was simple, not to many and not too congested, and-

Arnav came walking though the door and I had to force my jaw from dropping. He was in a tank top and sweats, covered in sweat. Gross as it may be, he looked glorious, like a sex god.

"Good morning Chote. Did you have a good run?"

Arnav nodded but his eyes were on me. I had to look away because if I did any longer, the clenching of my insides wouldn't have stopped.

Oh yeah, he totally does stuff to me.

"I'm just showing Khushi around the house."

Arnav nodded in acknowledgment and looked at her. "You wanna explain to me why Jeejaji keeps calling me?"

Anjali twitched her lips and looked away, tilting her chin up. "Jeejaji? Jeejaji who? I'm not married."

"Di...."

"Don't you Di me," she scowled, looking at him.

"Pick up your phone, stop making the poor guy suffer."

"Poor guy? I'm the unfortunate one here, not him!"

"Yeah, sure."

Seeing the two bicker was actually heart warming. As an only child, I never got to experience anything like this. I have to admit, it feels good, yet makes me sad. I always wanted a younger sibling but there are some things in life we have no control of.

Anjali's phone rang but she ignored it.

"Pick it up Di, stop being stubborn."

Anjali gaped at him. "Chote-"

The phone rang again, cutting her off.

"Take it," Arnav admonished.

Anjali grumbled and took the call, charging out of the room, the both of us watching her leave. When she did, we glanced at each other and then away. Memories of the night before flashed in my mind and I had to stop my hand from going to my neck where the hickey was. I had used makeup to cover it up, but it still slightly showed as it had gotten darker overnight.

Just my luck, huh? So in the end, I had to leave my hair down to cover up what was left. 

"How are you," he asked softly. 

I glanced up at him and nodded. "Good. ...you?"

"Good."

I glanced at him again and at his sweat covered tank top. "Worked out?"

Arnav nodded. "Yeah. Went for a run instead of going to the gym."

"Oh.... ran on a track field?"

"No, around Milldew Park."

My eyes shot up to his. "Milldew Park? But that-!"

That park is huge! And to run around it? Holy fuck! The man has stamina, he must. 

What about in bed?

Before I let that thought go any farther, I murdered it and buried it. 

"Have you eaten," I asked. 

He shook his head. 

"You should go shower first."

Arnav nodded and he headed towards the bathroom. When the door clicked shut, I released my breath. For some reason, the vibe was awkward. Even he was slightly awkward. In comparison to the night before, he was off.

Does he regret what he did? Does he not like me? Then why take me aside? Why me alone? He could've asked Anjali and Rohan to join us as well. Instead it was just the two of us. ...But he kissed me. Why did he kiss me? Does he regret that? But he was the one who initiated! ...okay fine, it was the both of us. Then the hickey? Does he regret that? Then why do that? Or was it just in the heat of the moment? All guys do that right? But-?

"Khushi?"

Arnav came out of the bathroom and when I turned to him, my eyes darted to his wet, chiseled chest. "Sweet baby geez-us oh my!"

My hands came smacking over my mouth as blush filled my cheek. Please oh please make it some miracle where I did not just say that out loud, only in my head, please oh please oh please!!!

But that miracle would not be happening, the shock and amusement on Arnav's face saying it all. 

Damn it!

Bringing my hands to the side, I looked away in embarrassment. I saw him approach me, his wet, half-naked-only-wearing-silk-pajama-bottoms body nearing me from the corner of my eyes, and stand before me. My eyes darted from his chest and away, repeatedly. This was the chest of my future husband's? What good deed have I done to deserve this? Did Christmas come early this year?

Arnav's hand caressed my cheek and my eyes shot up to his. For a moment he gazed at me and I looked at him in wonder. Just a few minutes ago, he was being awkward, and now....

He tilted my head slightly and looked at my exposed neck. Oh! His other hand brushed off the few strands of hair that lamely covered my neck, revealing the hickey that was too proud to be hidden. Geez, why did I turn like that and send my hair swinging like some movie's heroine? His thumb brushed over the sensitive skin and I bit my lip to hold back a moan. What can I say, his touch is sensuous. 

"Sorry," he said softly. 

I looked up at him.

"I didn't think I was rough."

He's apologizing for being rough? Not for what he did? Is that what was making him awkward earlier? Because he was curious if he had left a mark? "You weren't rough."

His eyes met mine. 

"You were very sweet and... sensual." I might as well admit it.

He smiled softly and tilted my face up to his. For a moment, he simply looked at me. "There's just something about you..."

I tilted my head in curiosity. 

"I can't seem to control myself."

"What-?"

But that question was answered before it could be fully asked. Not with words, but with a kiss. I didn't care if he was wet and shirtless, I liked this. In fact, I loved this. My fingers found their way into his damp hair and pulled him closer to me as his hands moved down to my hips and tugged my body to him. The moan that had escaped my lips could not be helped, as well as the clenching of my insides. Feeling his body against mine and his lips on mine felt blissfully amazing!

"Chote- oh my!"

The two of us shot apart at the sound of Anjali's voice, but even though we had created a significant amount of space between us, it didn't change the fact that she had seen us. 

Hai DM, what's going on today?

Anjali pursed her lips to stop herself from laughing but couldn't hold it back for long. She cracked and covered her mouth with her hand. "I can see that this wedding needs to happen as quick as possible, the two of you can't control yourselves anymore," she giggled. 

Neither of us would look at her. 

"I better go tell the elders," and she dashed off. 

Wait what?!

"Di-!" Arnav shook his head. "I swear...."

Wait what just-?

Aye caramba!