Correspondingly at Arthit's end.
"Hey mom, how are you? You had called? Sorry, I just saw your missed call. I was in a meeting and my phone was in silent mode mom."
"Yes, Arthit. Do you know how many days it has been since you called me? I don't ask you to call me every second or minute. Once in a week at least give me a call and check how your parents are doing? But no, God knows what work you are doing that 24/7 you are in a meeting or outside." And mom goes on with her complaints.
"Mom, please I love you. Forgive me this time na, please. I picked up my phone to call you but something came up and then I just forgot that I have not spoken to you. Please forgive me, mom".
"There is a permanent solution for this forgetfulness of yours, and it is to talk to you about that I had called. Now get your tickets booked and come home this weekend. I want you to be here at home by Saturday morning. You can return by Sunday evening if there are no leaves."
"Oh, no mom. I am having so many work items and I cannot travel now. Also, this month I might have to visit my office headquarters. Why are you insisting on me coming home this weekend? I will however visit once my travel date is confirmed mom"
"No Oon, you are coming home this weekend and on Sunday we are going to see a boy"
"What? Why? How? When... No, mom. I am not ready yet. Why are you behind me? I am just 26. Please let me reach a more stable career and then think about this seeing boy and stuffs."
"Oon, I am done with your reasons. It is not like I am asking you to get married to the boy tomorrow. All I am saying is meet and talk. They are a very good family. In fact, he is your paternal uncle's best friend's relative. They have seen him in their friend's son's marriage. The boy is very handsome, kind and soft. He is also working in the same city. In fact, the boy is going on a work assignment abroad next Wednesday, and he and his friends will be visiting native this weekend. Hence, we are rushing you through." "Please Oon. It is time for you to get settled. Once, you too get married to a good boy; then I can relax and spend time with my grandkids."
"Mom, you already have a grandkid, my nephew, please remember that too."
"Oon, you cannot win me over here with your arguments. You are coming here on Saturday. I will ask your dad to make sure you get a return ticket on Sunday night's train".
"As if you are leaving me with any other choice. I will check for tickets to start on Friday evening mom. Hope the rest of the things are ok".
"Yes Oon – everything else is fine. Take Care" Happiness reflected on Arthit's mom's voice as she disconnected the call.
After the call, Arthit drifted into thoughts. He started thinking about what his mom has said. He wants to be more established in his career before he gets married and settled down for life. But apparently, his family and fate had other ideas. He too was nervous, as he is not that much of an outward person to quickly build the connection with a stranger and here the stranger is supposed to be his life partner.
"Am I ready to start leading family life? Will this person support me? Will the person be ok with my friends? Will he be ready to continue working or want to be at home? – Unfortunately, after hearing and seeing certain instances with his friends Arthit's worry too was something fair." He takes a moment and calms himself, saying 'let's see how things go ahead' and continues with his work. He books tickets for his native for the weekend.
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Sunday – The Meet Day:
Arthit's Home:
"Oon are you ready? The vehicle is here and so is everyone." Jaya asked as she walked into Arthit's room.
"I am almost, mom. But who is this everyone?" It is only you me and dad, right?" Oon wondered.
"Oh, sorry I forgot to tell you. Both of your Paternal Aunts as well as your paternal uncle and his wife will accompany us."
"MOM – We are not going for a function or party. Why do so many people have to come? It will be awkward."
"You know how your aunts are Oon. And it is through your paternal uncle this proposal came so he wanted to accompany us. Anyway, that is not important. Are you ready? Come we should start now so that we will be there at the auspicious time" Explained Jaya.
"Please ask Dad and others not to say anything embarrassing mom. And please do not ask me my opinion in front of the boy and his family. Please I beg you." Saying this Oon started walking out of his room.
Praying to God, Arthit's family started off to Kong's home which is about an hour's drive.
Kong's Home:
"Good morning, P'Kong. All set? Do you think Arthit is the same one whose picture you showed me? Are you nervous?" Dae asked Kong. He was to keep Kong company while his parents, friends, and relatives get final preparations done.
Arthit and his family are coming to see him today. He is edgy, worried, and so many things were happening at a faster pace. All his insecurities and nervousness started hitting him with full force. And then he heard voices.
"Looks like they have come P." Dae ran from Kong's room leaving him alone to his thinking.
Kong was actively trying to listen to see if he can hear any conversation. All he heard were the introductions. He waited to be called anxiously.
"P'Kong, you are requested to come" – Dae came to fetch Kong.
"Let's go P"
While walking towards the living room, Dae could not hold himself back and he started telling Kong :
"P... P'Arthit is really handsome. He too is wearing a white shirt like you P. It is as if you both decided together.... and you both will look like you are made for each other"
Kong just listened silently. There were many thoughts running through his mind.
Kong was able to hear the voice of everyone talking together and his heart started beating rapidly. He thought: 'This is it, I guess. Let's get it done and he entered the living room.'
It was Arthit's Uncle who saw Kong first, smiling he nudged Arthit to turn and look.
Arthit did just that and then Kong and Arthit's eyes struck 😊
(imagine both in white)
A strange feeling settled in at both of their hearts. Both Kong and Arthit were feeling as if they both knew each other.
Kong's mom came to him and took him towards Arthit's family breaking the eye lock. However, Arthit's eyes were following Kong's movements.
Further introductions were made and Kong was being asked questions from Arthit's family whereas Arthit was occupied in discussion with Kong's family.
"I guess we are done with our side of the discussion and why don't we let Arthit and Kong talk alone." – Arthit's dad suggested and everyone agreed.
"Kong, please take Arthit to your room" – Kong's Dad mentioned.
"Please come" – Kong stood up and asked Arthit to follow.
Arthit was looking around the house while following Kong. Even though this was the first time he is visiting Kong's home, there was an unexplained familiarity to it. A feeling as if he is at his own home.
(Kong in White)
(Arthit in White)
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To be Continued...
From the Author: That is a wrap of Chapter 02. It is a simple cliché story based on some true events. If the response for this story is well received, at the end I will definitely share some facts.
Please share your comments on how you think about the plot and story. Request you all to read, share your views, encouragements, like and vote. See you soon with the next chapter.
Bye - Lux1986
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