Does happily ever after really exist?

5

Hola Darlings,

How are you guys holding up?

This chapter is for @Shrutika  my baby, my bestie. It's her birthday today. I hope she achieves whatever she wants in her life.  Shrute I love you to the moon and back.

Guys give her your best wishes and pour your blessings.

Take care!

Happy reading!

**********************************************

I agreed to family dinner for Jo's sake but I am having second thoughts now. Mrs. Rey is gonna be there so is Advik. Ugh, why can't I say NO? 

 " What are you thinking? " Ved asked making herself comfortable on a chair in my cabin. "Dinner..." I grumbled. " God ! Stop over thinking. You are meeting Jo, that's a good thing" She said tapping my head. " I can't help it! It's just that, Mrs. Rey and Advik is gonna be there....." I said hesitantly. She tsked. " Ignore mom. And Advik um...is grumpy but he is kind hearted. You'll like him. If he open ups to you" she said tapping my shoulder.

 " Anyway you have Ms. Confident with you." she winked pointing at herself. " Okay ! Ms. Confident, are you gonna tell lovely Advik about your little adventure." I asked in amusement. "You are EVIL." She said while leaving, and on the way slamming the door. "I know I am lovely." I yelled back. "Just like Advik." I can imagine a smirk on her face. Even though she cannot see me I rolled my eyes at her.

" Ready," Trisha said entering my room eyeing my dress. "cute," she said placing a quick kiss on my cheek. " let's go!" she pushed me out of the door. We drove in comfortable silence listening to songs. "This is your last chance to escape from awkward dinner." She said in amusement. Before I could reply to her, she yelled " Let's go! Adv is already here." she pointed, at black Rolls-Royce. I nodded. " Ms Rey , Ms Ahuja Welcome " the Head of the house help welcomed us. Veda nodded at him. I murmured Hi. " Boss and Mr. Rey' are in study. They'll be here soon." He told us and left. We sat on the sofa waiting. 

" Ahh my baby." Mrs. Rey hugged Ved. " Hello mom," Ved greeted her, placing a kiss on her cheeks. " I thought this was family dinner." She asked Ved glaring at me. I just stared at my feet. Feeling awkward. If not for Jo I would have never come here. " Daring I don't like when you stay some where else. You have such beautiful and big mansion" she doesn't like when Ved stays with me. She thinks it's not enough for 2, even though she never visited my apartment.                   " Mrs. Rey sorry I don't want to intrude but Jo insisted," I explained, fidgeting my fingers. I despise such situations. " Of course, he loves petty outsiders always........." She mumbled.               

" Neetu I need everyone on their best behaviour tonight. I don't want any awkwardness." Jo warned her in a stern voice.  " Of course, you can have your dinner peacefully. I am going." Mrs. Rey folds her hands over her chest.  "Mom! " Ved hollered. "  Ah! Advik ! You are back," Mrs. Rey chirped. It sounded fake. Advik nodded and glanced at me. His gaze is cold, with no emotions. Ved looked upset at her mom's departure. " My baby ," Jo embarrassed her tightly. " She wasn't planning on staying anyway, wasn't it evident?" Jo asked her. She nodded and he placed a kiss on her cheek.

" 'Mon Ange' (It's My Angle in french) thanks for coming." Jo hugged me. " Jo, you look handsome as always." He kissed my hand, bending a little. Advik is staring as if I said, I live on Uranus. Ved greeted Advik. "Rue, this is my son Advik." I looked between Advik to Jo several times. " They have met before dad in the welcome party," Ved spoke. " Lovely!" Jo smirked, clapping his hands.  " I loved the book you suggested." Jo said gesturing for us to sit on the sofa. We talked about the book for a couple of minutes. Ved, Jo, Advik talked about business. Mostly Ved and Jo talked and Advik answered. I saw him staring at me in between " Shall we eat then" Jo asked excitedly.  He seemed a lot happier today. We followed him to the dining table. We ate, laughed, talked about several things. Advik was distant for the whole time. As if he was frustrated. I saw him glaring daggers at me here and there.   We sat in the living room watching a movie Ved chose for us. " Dad! I think I should leave. It's getting late." Advik got up from his seat. " Yeah Jo! We also need to go. I have some tomorrow." I said gazing at Ved suggesting her to get up. " Rue,I think I'll staying here. I need to talk to mom." Veda spoke. " Umm.. Cool"