Kong had insisted on climbing down the car at once as soon as they entered the gates of the Villa. As they drove through the long driveway to the house, Arthit noticed Kongpob's brother standing before the door of the house, with his hands folded infront of his chest.
Despite Arthit's reluctance Kong was stubborn that Arthit should let Kong handle his own brother. Seeing no way to win this argument, Arthit let Kong do as he pleased.
Arthit halted the car to let Kong out before he turned it to park the car in parking area.
.............
Taking deep breaths to calm himself down, Kong faced his Anna staring down at him.
" You are late, Thambi ( younger brother) " Varun announced with pursed lips, hands still folded infront of his chest.
Thambi, not Kutti (little one) as his brother generally calls him, Kong thought.
He was late by whole two hours and didn't even think to let his Anna know. With Arthit, he lost the track of time .
" It was raining and there was an accident on the road that led to traffic jam Anna. We reached the venue late. The dinner was late and then I wanted to have ice cream on the way, since I was not having a very good day." Kong said gently " I will tell you more, later."
" Okay...Where's your bike ? Why has that alpha dropped you in his car ?And why are you wearing his jacket ? " Varun fired questions one after another.
" Are you going to investigate everything at the gate itself ? " Maya frowned at her husband " Kutti (little one), come on in. It's cold outside today. You already don't have any warm clothing on you... "
" Anni...Alpha Arthit is here too.."
" Oh..he is " Maya smiled encouragingly while Varun frowned " What for ? "
" Be nice " Maya hissed. " He can be your brother in law."
" Very slim chance " Varun murmured stubbornly.
" be that as it may, don't forget he is son of Pran uncle " Mata reminded as Arthit, confidently marched towards them.
" Good evening, Mr. Suthiluck. I'm Arthit Rojanapat," Arthit said with a warm smile, extending his hand.
Varun stared at the offered hand for a second then folded his hands in namaskaram ( same as Wai in Thai culture 🙏 ) " I've met your father a few times. Thank you for dropping Kongpob home"
Though almost two hours late than what was actually agreed upon. He wanted to say but seeing Kongpob's pleading eyes and Maya's glare, he swallowed his words.
Arthit instantly copied Varun amd folded his hand in namaskara. "I just wanted to see Kongpob safe home, Anna. Papa talk a lot about you. .."
Anna. Varun raised a brow. Chameleon.
" Come , let's have tea " Varun offered. Tea at ten PM. Absurd. But culture. What could he do..
It was all a formality, anyway. He was already having doubts about this match. This man was an English person in Desi body (Indian body), his Kong was someone firmly attached to roots. How will they ever conquer that gap?
" Thank you, but I must decline. It's getting late," Arthit smiled " and I don't want to impose."
Fine by me. Varun thought. Just get going.
Varun's wife, Maya, took the reins of conversation in her hands. "Are you sure? We'd love to have you join us for some tea," she insisted warmly. " It's first time you have come home, how can we let you go without even a glass of water? "
Arthit smiled apologetically. "I appreciate the offer, but perhaps another time , Akka (Sister) . Thank you for your hospitality."
Maya nodded, understanding. "Safe journey, then. It was a pleasure meeting you."
