The Red Thread of Destiny

Chapter 2: Phayu

"Storms draw something out of us that calm seas don't"

"We seem to be having some problems with the suppliers when it comes to the casino. What do you think the problem is Pai?" Kinn Theerpanayakul asked his son as the whole family sat in the conference room discussing their businesses. "I will let Phayu respond, because he was the one who found the issue and brought it to me dad," Pai said, pointing to his cousin. Vegas and Pete looked on proudly at their son, but their hearts were full. It had been almost 6 years now, but their son seemed to have forgotten how to smile.

"Well, the suppliers are not being very honest with us. It's been twice now that the alcohol sold in the casino has come as half empty bottles or even with residue. It's absolutely imperative that they know they can't get away with this," Phayu said, in his no nonsense voice. "You both, talk to Pakin and Chai. Make sure there are no loopholes. Any situational problems with the garage or the hotel business?" Vegas asked. "No Papa V. Phayu and I have almost finalised the deal for the property in Korat. We will be able to sign the deal by the end of the month. And that means, Phayu can start on the design of the new resort as soon as next week," Pai said, confidently.

"That sounds good to us. However, right now, you both must leave immediately for Chula. I think you both have forgotten that you had to be present there for the Freshmen Orientation ceremony," Porche said, a chiding note in his tone. "Paaaa," a whining note entered Pai's voice. "You know we hate stuff like that," he said, his voice pleading. "You have to be present there, not only as the sons of the current board members and future board members, but also as alumni of the university. It is your duty," Pete said. "But...," Phayu started. "No 'buts'," Pete's tone was final, brooking no argument from the boys.

The two boys got out of their cars in front of the university. They looked towards the great hall where the orientation usually took place, before reluctantly making their way there. The orientation on the 1st day was common, that is, all the faculties came together. From the 2nd day onward, each faculty took over their own freshmen. But since today was the 1st day, all the freshmen would be in the same place.

When Phayu and Pai entered the great hall, they were greeted by their juniors. Pai smiled at everyone, but Phayu remained aloof. Suddenly, a cheer went up from the front of the room, and both of the boys looked at the sudden surge in excitement. Four or five boys stepped up on to the stage, along with their instruments, and one was just walking up, empty handed. The others discussed something and one of them said something to the empty handed boy. He nodded, and all of them set up everything quickly.

The band started playing a popular Korean number, 'Maniac' by the Stray Kids. The boy who had walked up empty handed, started to dance, and two of the other boys, sang and rapped the song. Pai turned around to say something to Phayu, but stopped mid-thought. Phayu was staring, riveted, at the stage, watching the small, lithe dancer. Pai had not seen that look in his cousin's eyes since a long time. He quickly snapped a picture, but Phayu didn't even realise. He could not take his eyes off the boy. Phayu had never really said anything, but his entire family knew that he was openly bisexual. He had had multiple partners, but he had never found anything serious. In the past six years, Phayu had completely withdrawn from his family and gone into a shell. He had probably had one night stands, but no one had been able to light up his eyes, the way Pai saw them now.

Pai quietly sent the picture to his Papa V and Papa P. He knew that Phayu's dads were extremely worried about him. They had almost given up on him, despairing over their son's future. Phayu's past had made him completely hard and unbending. He had stopped communicating with his family as well for a couple of years, using Pai as a conduit. But all of a sudden, when Papa P had fallen ill, Phayu had at least dropped the walls between family and himself.

"What is this Pai?" A message popped up on his screen. It was Papa P.

Papa V: "I haven't seen this look on his face since so long!"

Pa: "Neither have I. What is he looking at?" 

Me: "Not 'what' Pa, 'who' is the better question."

Dad: "Who is he looking at?" 

By that time, the two boys had moved to the front of the stage, everyone making way for such prestigious alumni. Pai immediately sent a picture of the dancing boy to the group.

Papa V: "Who is he?"

Papa P: "I don't care who he is, He is adorable!"

Pa: "Jing! He is so narak!"

Uncle Tong: "Oiiii, Narak!"

Me: "Do you want me to find out who he is?"

Dad: "No, We will do it. You just be with Phayu!"

Phayu kept his eyes on the stage, not wanting to miss a single movement from the black haired boy. He watched in fascination as the svelte boy went through his dance routine with grace, poise and elan. There was no hesitation, his body moving rhythmically, capturing each step with easy precision that was amazing to watch. His expressions showed every emotion he felt, happiness being the top one. Phayu had not seen that expression on anyone's face since a long time. And seeing this boy stirred up memories and passion like never before. Not even with Amy had he felt this. This deep connection that felt like it was eternal, forever, a binding that had started with the soul.

Phayu was jolted out of his fixation when he heard the thunderous applause to the boy's routine. He watched the boy, who was smiling and posing with the cutest look on his face. It was the boy who had danced, but it was Phayu who found he couldn't breathe. He was unable to understand the intense connection he felt to the boy. But as he watched, he remembered who he was, and why he had closed himself off. And the door that had started to open itself in his heart, he himself slammed it shut as he abruptly turned around and strode out of the great hall.

"Phayu! Phayu!" Pai called out, as he ran behind his cousin. "What?" Phayu whirled around. "What is it?" "Where are you going ja?" Pai asked, worry lacing his tone. "I don't know. I don't know where I am going! Just tell Dad and Pa that I will not be coming home tonight," Phayu said, his voice spilling over with the emotions swirling in his heart, as he walked off. Pai watched Phayu walk off, knowing this brother of his heart was lying. Because Phayu knew, just as Pai did, exactly where he was going, but he was helpless in the face of Phayu's devastated heart.