GAME OF FATE

PROLOGUE

Thailand (April 11, 2023)

It's been more than 10 years since I left this country, and now I've returned to search for someone I lost contact with after migrating to the U.S. I managed to persuade my grandfather to let me continue my studies here for that very purpose. Whether I find that person or not, I still need to try my best.

"Khun Nai, we're already here khap," the hired driver announced. The journey from the airport had been long, and I hadn't even noticed that we'd already reached our destination.

As I got out of the car, I checked the surroundings. I just saw this place through the picture that was sent to me a month ago. Living in a condo near the university where I'll be studying is more convenient since I don't want to stay in a dorm. And since I still have 2 weeks to spare before classes will start, I have time to settle down first before going to the university.

I greeted the security and made my way to the reception area. Since I'm in Thailand, it's common knowledge to greet everyone by doing a 'wai' gesture.

"Sawasdee khrap (hello), I am Nai Phunaissip Chaeravanont. I'm here to get my keys-" I was cut off mid-sentence as the woman behind the desk stood up and smiled at me.

"Oh! You're in room 251! Ah, I'm sorry..." as she noticed my startled face, she corrected her stance as she continued introducing herself enthusiastically, "Sawasdee kha. I'm Prapai, but you can just call me Phi Pie na-kha," She extended her hand, and I took it, shaking hands with her. "I'm pleased to meet you, but I'll just need to see your ID."

"Ah! Just a moment," I replied, opening the wallet I was holding. As I reached for my ID, a small photo slipped out and fluttered to the ground. It was a small portrait of my sister I personally drew. Quickly, I retrieved it, tucked it back inside, and then handed her my ID with a slight, apologetic smile.

The woman's eyes caught a glimpse of the photo I had quickly tucked away. Though she didn't recognize the child in the picture, her curiosity was clearly piqued. "Who's the little one in the photo?" she asked with a friendly smile, handing back my ID while glancing at me with interest.

"My twin sister, Nao," I replied, feeling a twinge of discomfort at sharing more of my story with someone I had just met.

She appeared somewhat surprised and remarked that it was quite unusual for her to see such closeness between siblings. "Not many people I've met keep old pictures of their siblings like this," she said.

I simply smiled in response and allowed her to continue reviewing the documents she had taken from the folder.

As she examined the documents, I glanced around and noticed a group of people heading towards the elevator, laughing at something someone had said. They appeared to be students as several of them were carrying books while the others were carrying take-outs.

"Here you go. Everything has already been prepared in your room, Khun Nai. Do you need any help with your bags?" the receptionist offered.

"No, thank you. I think I can manage," I replied politely, declining her offer then followed her to the elevator.

As soon as the lift arrived at the 10th floor, she led me to a door and handed me the key card. After I swiped the card and the door swung open, she bid me farewell and reminded me to contact the front desk if I encountered any issues with the accommodation.

It was my grandfather's assistant, George, who presented me with several condominium options. This one stood out as the best choice, nestled in the vibrant Siam area. It offers a bright, airy open-concept layout with large windows overlooking the lush greenery of the Chula University campus—ideal for a serene escape amidst the bustling city. My grandfather approved, appreciating the 24-hour security. It seemed perfect for my first experience living independently."I could get used to this," I murmured to myself as I began to unpack my bags.

Just then, a ring on my phone startled me.

*George calling...*

"Yes, hello?" I answered promptly, anticipating a check-in from my grandfather.

"Hello, Sir Nai. I hope I'm not interrupting, but your grandfather would like to connect with you via video call, if that's alright," George's voice on the other end made me smile.

"I don't mind at all. Let me just set up my computer," I replied, opening my laptop and quickly logging into my account.

As soon as the connection was established, my grandfather appeared on the screen, speaking into his phone.

"...and I've already informed the school about it. Thank you for your help, Mr. Dean." I heard my grandfather say into the phone. He nodded and bade his farewell as he noticed I was on screen.

"Perfect timing. The dean just called to confirm your admission to the university," he said, setting his phone down and leaning closer to the camera. "How are you settling in, Nai?"

"I'm doing well, just about to start unpacking my clothes," I replied. "I received and read the email while I was at the airport."

I noticed on the monitor that he was still in the office, even though it was close to his medication time. "You're still at the office? Your meds are due in about..." I glanced at my watch and continued, "...5 minutes. I'll have George bring them to you," I said firmly.

"That's already taken care of. I asked George to handle it," he assured me. "Have you had a chance to check out the place yet?"

"It's more than adequate," I reassured him. "I'm here to study and search for my sister. This place actually exceeds my expectations. Everything has changed so much over the years."

"You've been away for a decade; of course, everything has changed," he said, noticing George's presence in the background. "Now that George is here, I have to end this call and prepare to go home. I'll call again to check on you."

I didn't close my laptop right away. Instead, I checked for any emails from the private investigator I had hired to find my twin sister—my primary reason for being here.

Twelve years ago, we were orphaned due to a terrible accident. At that time, we were only 7 or 8 years old. We lived in an orphanage run by a private foundation for 2 to 3 years. We were so young that we didn't know what to do. Though we were reluctant to be separated, we understood it was inevitable. We agreed to survive and made a promise to write each other letters. Little did we know that the promise would be broken the moment I stepped onto the plane.

I used to blame my adopted parents for not telling me the truth, but over the years, their patience and kindness gradually helped me accept and love them. They even tried to contact the orphanage to find my twin sister, but were informed that she had been adopted just a few weeks after I left. This is my greatest regret that I've been shouldering throughout the years.

My parents assured me that as long as I applied myself rigorously to my studies and attained self-sufficiency, they would permit my return. Clinging to that promise, I devoted myself to my studies and forged a deep bond with my grandfather—my father's dad—who later became my guardian while my parents, both physicians, were frequently away on humanitarian medical missions.

The vivid recollection of my sister's face is what sustains my hope that I might encounter her at school. Chula, being our parents' alma mater, may hold a special place in her memory, compelling her to choose this university as well. 

Reflecting on her, I retrieved my sketchbook and carefully turned the pages until I reached the image of a girl beaming radiantly, adorned in a sundress, and clutching a lotus flower. This is the only lucid memory of her that I've tried to memorize. I cannot turn back time, but I hold onto the faith that we will soon reunite. Though I may no longer recognize her face now that we've grown older, I am grateful to still have the memories we created together. The bond we share as twins is something I can still feel deeply, and I will spare no effort in my quest to find her.

Feeling resolute, I rose from my seat and made my way to the balcony, gazing out at the bright sky and the world beyond. I'm unsure where to begin, but I suppose attending university is the first step on this journey.

A/N: First of all, this is the second time I uploaded this story since I can't access the account that I used. Second is, if there is a grammatical error or any wrong grammar, please be kind enough to understand because this is my first time being serious on writing the story.

ps: I love Fourth Nattawat and I really like the idea of him being Nai :)