'Eat first. I'll listen to everything after you finish your food.' Ma was serving me hot soup.
'No Ma! You don't understand! New is their 2nd son! Don't you think it's a huge surprise?' I asked impatiently.
Right now I am having dinner at home with my family and telling them about my eventful day. Ton and June went back to their homes.
Ofcourse I didn't say anything about my involvement in his beating. But I told them everything else.
'It is really surprising. I mean I thought Khemwaen has only two children. Everyone in the circle knows that!' Pa exclaimed.
'By the way, don't tell anybody about it. Aunty specially requested us to keep it a secret because New doesn't want to recognise them in public.' I warned dad.
'I'm not going to say a word about it. Afterall it's their family matter.' Dad promised.
'What an unlucky child!' Ma sighed.
'Yes, he is.' Thada nodded in agreement.
'But don't you think he is a bit too vengeful? I mean yes, I admit that he has a rough childhood but it's not right to take revenge on them like that!' At first I really felt sorry for him but after hearing his revenge story my sympathy has reduced quickly.
'Rough childhood you say? He grew up as an orphan despite having parents. He has siblings but couldn't connect with them. He was totally alone! Still he smiles, he study, he helps people......I am surprised that he still has humanity left. If I was him, I would become a very gloomy person.' Thada gave me a hard stare.
'I totally agree with Thada. I mean I saw him only once but still he made a good impression.' Pa took a chicken piece and gave it to Ma. Hello! We are here too! Give us some too!
'But he is not that simple you know. He already turned P Waii against their parents and successfully managed to corner Mint.' I was feeling disturbed about his this particular strategy.
'Waii khemwaen is not someone who can get manipulated that easily. I haven't done many businesses with him, but with only one look I can read his character well.' Pa frowned.
'I am not saying he is a weak person. He is a dotted brother but only for New. Nowadays he couldn't tolerate Mint. And it's all thanks to New.' I am not going to back off.
'Don't you think you're judging him too quickly?' Thada said.
'Fine fine. Why are you guys arguing over something that has nothing to do with us. Let them handle their family matter. Tay don't forget that you don't know them that well so please don't get involved much.' Ma served me another bowl of my favourite chicken.
'I know. I am just feeling bad for Mint. That's all.' I concentrated on eating.
'Hm.' Ma gave Thada some rice.
'But who beat up New so badly? And they did it in broad day light near the campus. Khemwaen are not going to let this matter go.'
A piece of chicken got stuck in my throat and I started to cough violently.
'Oh god! Easy easy! Why are you eating like a pig!' Thada handed me a glass of water.
'I.....am.... Okay.' I smiled faintly.
I AM NOT OKAY!!!!! Inside I was screaming.
.............................................................
At night I called Mint but she didn't pick up. I was worried but then she sent me a text and asked to meet her the next day after class.
'Sorry, I couldn't answer your call last night........the atmosphere in our house wasn't right ....' We were walking to the cafe.
