Fortuitous

Fortuitous - 04

After the serious emotional outbreak, Arthit wanted to feel some fresh air. Like always, his legs took him to the favorite part of the Suthiluck Mansion – The grove and outhouse. After walking around for some time, he went and sat near the pool at one of his favorite points. He then dipped his legs inside the pool and was thinking about all that his aunt revealed.

He wondered if his P'Kong will recognize him. He did meet Kong but since the latter's marriage, Arthit has always kept a certain distance between them. He is scared that his Kong will reject his approaches to bring him back to being old P. Arthit was nervous, but he still took a stern decision and looked determined to achieve something.

And then abruptly he felt a pull towards the pool as if someone is trying to drag him in. He, though, is still seated on the pool bed, but that force is yet there, trying to drag him in. Arthit got scared and he tried to stand up, but he was not able to. He felt like his hands and legs are tied. He looked around, even though it was midday, the entire surrounding has turned pitch dark. He wanted to scream for help, but no voice came from his throat

"Arthit.... Oon.... Where are you?" – He heard Jane calling for him.

As if on a cue immediately, the entire surrounding was back to normal and Arthit quickly jumped from where he was sitting. Without further delay, he ran towards the exit. The moment he is at a good distance from the grove, he stopped running. He was breathless, scared, sweating – as if he just had a panic attack. Arthit could not explain what he felt in those moments of helplessness. He wanted to know what happened to him, what caused that to him. But for a couple of days or weeks, he won't come around this area – he took that decision.

"Here you are Arthit. Where did you go? I have been looking for you all over the house. Looks like this is still your favorite hideout. You can come by later dear, now come with Lunch is ready. Jack and Stud are waiting for us."

"Coming aunty. Has P'Kong come back aunt?" – Arthit could not stop himself from asking.

"No, Oon. He has not."

After lunch, Arthit retreated to his room. He wanted to rest for some time with all the happenings of the day. Later he met the Suthiluck for dinner. He did not find Kong at the table even for dinner. Post dinner, while he was helping Jane, he enquired again about Kong.

"Has P'Kong come back aunty? It is already late, when will he have dinner?"

"No Arthit. Kong is not yet back. He does not have any time dear. And dinner, he eats sometimes but most of the time he does not. You can keep a plate and portion of dinner on the table. If Kong is hungry when he comes, he will eat by himself."

Acknowledging Jane, Arthit after finishing helping takes food for Kong and keeps it ready at the table. He bids good night to everyone and asks them to head back to their rooms and rest. He chose to wait for his P'Kong.

Stud, Jack, and Jane all tried to reason with Arthit to go to bed saying Kong will take more time to come home, but Arthit wanted to wait.

Arthit sat at the dining table, looking at the clock. Soon the clock struck 10, then 11 and soon it was midnight. Arthit could feel his eyes dropping and soon he fell asleep on the table itself.

Then he heard a bell ringing - "Ding Dong", He woke up to look at the time and saw it was about 3 am. Before he reached the door, he heard another "Ding Dong".

Arthit opened the door and there stood the drunk Kong, who is struggling to find his balance.

"P'Kong... Called Arthit and rushed to hold the Kong who was about to fall"

Arthit could not hold back and he right away reprimanded Kong, "What is this P? Is this time to come home and that too drunk? What has happened to you?"