Chapter 24: When Jealousy rears its head - Part 2

2.4K 125 26
                                    

"I hope everybody understands why someone is jealous of something. It is because jealous people feel threatened that someone might take away what belongs to them."

Chula Uni, the day of the performance –

Preparations were in full swing, as participants and staff rushed in and out making sure each and every thing was in place. The Annual Christmas Gala at Chula was a prolific event that no one liked to miss. It was by invitation only and was for dignitaries and other top level people who would donate generously to the charity recommended by Chula or to a cause or even to upgrading or improving the University as well. Knowing that the Theerpanayakul family would be here in complete attendance once again, had sent the upper echelons of the management into a tizzy. The family had never participated in any Uni event in the past years, not even when their sons had been here, although their contribution was always felt to be bountiful and their magnanimity was always noted with great pleasure. However from this academic year, they had suddenly become even more interested in the workings, and the management was under tremendous pressure.

The Head Chancellor of the college had in fact received a call the previous night that the first row will be occupied by the Theerpanayakuls and four of their guests. This had led to a last minute adjustment in the seating arrangement, as, if the first row would be occupied by them, the row behind would have their bodyguards, and others who would be liberally sprinkled throughout. However, Rain and his friends, who were busy preparing for their performance, were unaware of the rioting being caused by the huge presence of their families. Everyone had used the rooms to get ready, and finally, it was Rain's turn. When he came out, Sig whistled. "Rain? Nong? Are you sure you want to wear this and go on stage? I am pretty sure P'Phayu is gonna throw a hissy fit!" he said. 'This' was a pair of red tights with a thin black stripe running down either side of the leg. The top was a sheer nude draped all over with numerous thin sparkly chains with diamante on them.

"You look fabulous," Yihwa said, giving a sign with both thumbs up. "I agree, but between what happened yesterday, and this dress, P'Phayu is going to burst a vein!" Sky said, making everyone laugh. "Well.. That's the idea," Rain said smugly. "Hey Rainy boy! What is happening inside your devious mind?" Nut asked, enjoying Rain's smirk. "He deserves what he gets today," Rain said. "He didn't even bother to call me after he saw what happened. Instead, what do I see? Him consoling P'Jom! Huh! Like he can get away with that on my watch!" he added, smugness changing to an annoyed look in the blink of an eye. Plus, we all are leaving for Chiang Mai pretty soon, I need to talk to him about that too," he said.

"Well good luck with that na!" Sky said. "Why? Why good luck? Allai kheun?" Sig asked, immediately calling them out. "Well.." Rain began. "Let me tell it to you guys. Just after Rain and my 16th birthday, that year, we had made our annual pilgrimage to Chiang Mai. Both Pa and Uncle Type loved this place, so we celebrated New Year here every year. But that particular year was a milestone year. Although our parents knew about our orientation, that was the first time we had said it out loud in front of them. We had also gotten our Early acceptance into Chula, so it was a double celebrations of sorts," Sky said.

"Rain wanted to go for a walk, but all of us were feeling too lazy, so he went alone. He came back with so many cuts and bruises on his back and hands that we were shocked. Thankfully Papa Type bandaged the wounds, and we all gave him a good scolding. He didn't say anything except that he tripped on something and fell backwards. We found it a bit hard to believe, as you guys well know, Rain is not exactly a clumsy person. After much cajoling from Uncle Tharn, he finally told us about the man he had met on the cliff, and what had happened. He hadn't been able to see his face, but, him wiping his eyes and throwing a lily down the abyss had left an indelible impression on him. Every year after that, he dragged us to Chiang Mai, looking for his 'Phi'. So that's his hidden agenda part three," Sky laughed. "Are you serious?" Yihwa asked, shocked. Rain nodded. "Why?" he asked. "Dude! Are you sure? P'Phayu will throw a fit!" she said, still dumbfounded.

The Red Thread of DestinyWhere stories live. Discover now