In fact, everyone soon would be home. It turns out that every year, the family would host a gala in the hopes of raising donations to a charity that would help to provide for orphaned children. It was clear to me as to why Arnav had chosen this certain charity, and while it did make my heart pang, I was also proud of my husband for helping those children create new beginnings.
The gala would be hosted this weekend, giving enough time for everyone to come back and settle in. Given that this was a big deal for Arnav and an occasion for the family to be together, Arnav had invited my family to come along as well. He even invited Payal's family. At first I was confused why, not to be mean or anything, but remembering the way my devar had eyeballed my cousin, I totally understood my husband's intentions. And to be honest, I wasn't mad about it at all!
On Wednesday morning, Akash, Mama, and Mamiji had returned, Mamiji having splurged on a whole bunch of gifts for all of us. She had also bought quite a lot of exquisite jewelry, to which Nani teased her, telling her to save them for her future daughter in law. In that moment, on the low, I had let Akash know that Payal would be coming to the gala, and my devar lit up like it was Christmas morning!
How cute!
The following morning, NK and Mai had arrived, and the moment Nani saw her daughter in her widow's wear, she broke into tears. When NK's father had passed away, Nani was sick and wasn't able to fly out to her son in law's funeral, although she had really wanted to. But due to health precautions, she had to stay behind and only Arnav, Akash, Mama, and Mamiji had gone to the funeral, Di and Jeejaji staying behind to take care of her. So Nani had never really seen Mai in such clothes, and it truly broke my heart as I watched the two cry in each other's arms. In fact, everyone had gotten a little emotional at that moment, even Arnav, who was clenching his fist.
The feeling of losing someone dear to you was a feeling Arnav knew all to well. It broke my heart to see him in such pain, so I held his hand in mine. Arnav's eyes met mine and I gave him a humble smile. All that mattered now was that we were together - the whole family was together, all under one roof, and we would always be there for each other.
*~*
Saturday evening arrived, and the whole family was ready. As we all prepared to leave, I called Amma to see how far they were, and it turned out that they were already at the venue, along with Payal and them. When I let Arnav know that they were all already there, poor Akash had overheard and he seemed to had become a little too eager to get there as quickly as possible.
Honestly I have no idea as to how serious his feelings are for my cousin, but if he causes trouble, you can bet I'll be gripping him by the ear.
Once the family was all ready and gathered, we all headed out to the venue. Once again, the paparazzi went into a frenzy, yelling out to us as to which way we should look so they could get their perfect shot. As soon as we were done with the photos and walked the carpet, we entered the venue, and it was absolutely grand! The large glass dome ceiling was stunning, revealing the beautiful night sky and the full moon's light! But my attention was immediately taken away from it, as Payal and the rest of my family came towards us.
"Oh my gosh Sanka Devi, you look beautiful," Buaji gushed.
"May you be protected from the evil eye," Amma said.
"I'll say, all the other ladies must be absolutely jealous," Choti Ma chuckled.
"Well screw them," Payal said before dragging me away.
"What the-? Payal!"
But Payal didn't stop until she had me away from everyone, taking us over to wear the bar was set up.
"Khushi you look stunning! It's gotta be like Sabyasachi or something!"
"It is," I smiled as I showed off my gorgeous red lehenga.
"Ugh to die for! Anyways, the reason why I pulled you aside..."
Oh? Now I was curious.
"Um... well I don't know how exactly to say this but..."
"But...?"
"Uh, well... your devar may have hit me up on my DMs..."
My eyes widened immediately.
"And I may have ignored it?"
I couldn't believe my ears. "Shut up!"
Payal shook her head.
"Oh my-! Akash really messaged you?"
"But I didn't open it, I was too afraid-"
"For what you idiot? He's totally got the hots for you! My poor devar is checking you out right now!"
Payal turned around in confusion and saw that I was right, Akash flinching away as we both looked at him.
"See! He was totally checking you out!"
"I see that but...."
"But what," I frowned.
"Khushi... at your wedding I heard some of the girls say some things."
Huh?
"It was like right before the ceremony started and I was checking in with the guests like Badi Ma told me to, and I overheard one of the girls saying how Akash had asked for her phone number."
Oh? Well this is news to my ears.
"Not only did I hear that, but later in the evening, I had heard that he had not only gotten that girl's phone number, but seven other girls' phone numbers as well."
"What the? Eight girls-"
A memory from the night of my wedding came into mind.
"Alright you two, enough," Di said. "Why can't you guys be good like Akash?"
Akash grinned. "That's right."
Arnav and NK glanced at each other and then at him. "Eight."
Akash flinched. "Uh..." and he left the room.
"Khushi?"
I snapped out of my thoughts and turned my attention back to Payal.
"I just wanted to let you know that he had hit me up and what I had heard, that's all...."
I looked at her carefully. "You sure that's the only reason why..."
Payal looked down at the floor.
"Or because you may have feelings for him but you're scared?"
She didn't say anything.
"Pays, he's a really good guy. Granted what he did at my wedding was him being a total flirt but... but I haven't seen him act that way ever since I married Arnav. So... if you want my blessing and take a chance, then go for it."
Payal met my eyes with hers. "Are you sure?"
"Why not," I shrugged. "I've never seen him so smitten. I mean, when I told him you were gonna be here, he practically jumped with joy! He likes you, he's totally into you... give it a chance."
Payal gave me a small smile and hugged me, and I hugged her back.
"And don't worry Pays - if he ends up doing something bad, I'll grip by his ear so hard, he'll regret it."
"Thanks Khushi."
"Of course."
The sound of someone clearing their throat brought our attention back to our surroundings. It turned out to be none other than my husband himself, looking at the two of us with eyebrow arched.
"I hope I'm not intruding?"
"Not at all jeejaji," Payal grinned before releasing me. "However I must say," she said, moving beside him and linking her arm with his, "it's rather cute how restless you are being away from my sister for so long."
"What can I say? I love her that much," he winked.
"Hai, how sweet!"
Arnav looked at me and I felt my cheeks heat with blush, which at this point, must be as red as my sari. Payal gave Arnav a quick hug and left us, allowing for my husband to come closer to me and take advantage of my flushed state.
"Your cheeks are red Khushi," he murmured.
"Hmm," was all I could say.
"Are you feeling warm?"
"A little," I nearly squeaked.
Oh gosh, I'm acting like the way I did when we first got married! I don't know why, but his sweet words just always had a way of affecting me.
Arnav chuckled as he brought his lips to my ear. Behind him, I could see all the guests looking at us, muttering to themselves.
"Arnav, everyone's looking at us," I whispered.
"I don't care," and he nipped at my earlobe.
My eyes shut instantly and I forced myself not to squeal in delight. I felt Arnav grin against me before pulling away to look at me. When I opened my eyes to look at him, I found that grin still on his face.
"Shall we, wife?"
"As soon as I have a drink," I nodded.
Arnav couldn't help his chuckle and asked the bartender for some water. The cool liquid was most definitely welcomed to my body, allowing for my cheeks to simmer down.
With that out of the way, Arnav led me to meet some of our guest, some of whom I had already met. I have to admit, I was a bit stunned by the few celebrities that had come, even though I had met some before. I mean it isn't exactly easy to overcome that sort of shock just like that, especially not when you've been seeing them on the big screen for so long. But I had learned to keep myself under control around them, even though I was shrieking like a banshee on the inside as I took selfies with them and we all posted it to our social medias.
As the last of the guests arrived and Arnav greeted them and mingled with them, I spent some time with my family. Everyone was animated in conversation and I just loved that everyone got along so well.
"Khushi?"
"Hmm?"
I turned to Amma, finding her smiling at me humbly. She caressed my cheek, looking at me up and down.
"My sweet girl, I can't believe how much you've grown up."
I smiled at her, holding her hand.
"If I didn't have you in my life, I-"
"Amma please, don't," I said, feeling my emotions ready to overtake me.
I could see that Amma's were ready to overtake her too, but she controlled herself. "I'm sorry, it's just... seeing you with Arnav is only making me realize how much you've grown. I still remember the day you were born, when the doctor handed you to me when you were born...."
I looked away, playing with her hand.
"I may have not given birth to you, but that means nothing to me. Having you as my daughter has been such a privilege-"
"Amma-"
"And even though I couldn't give you siblings due to my own complications, I'm still glad that I was able to spend almost all of my time with you."
I could feel tears threatening to form and I forced them back. "Amma," but my voice cracked.
"You've grown into such a mature, beautiful young woman, and you're an outstanding wife to Arnav. ...and I can see that you love him very much."
I looked up at her.
"The way you look at him, the love in your eyes... its just the way he looks at you, even now," she nodded.
I looked in the direction she had gestured and saw Arnav, gazing away at me even though a man was talking to him. He smiled at me and I felt my heart flutter.
"The way you two love each other, it's just like your father and I, and I am so happy that you found love; it definitely suits you. And Arnav truly is a wonderful boy; even after learning the truth about our family, he has done nothing but respected and supported you and our family. I'm so proud of him, as I am very proud of you."
I looked back at Amma and hugged her. All I wanted to do was hold her and have her hold me. "I love you Amma, so, so much."
"I love you too, baby girl." Amma pulled back and caressed my cheek once more. "There is just one thing I wanted to ask."
"What is it Amma?"
"When will I be promoted to a grandmother?"
What! "Amma!"
Amma began to laugh and I frowned at her. Honestly, the nerve of this woman! I haven't even been married for half a year yet, and she's already asking for grandchildren!
But then again....
It's not like I don't want have children someday, I definitely do. In fact, Arnav and I once had this conversation when I first began my birth control pills. Arnav wanted children too, but we both had decided that it was just too early for us, and definitely too early in our marriage. We wanted to spend time together, be close to one another before we began to take care of a third and extended our family.
And to be honest, I couldn't wait for that day when I could potentially have a mini version of my Arnav.
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