It seems that today's business meeting has become something trivial, because now Arun BekFah and I are staring at each other intensely. She may not have recognized me right away, but as soon as she heard my voice and started observing me carefully, she soon realized it was me.
"Khun In."
"I'm glad you recognized me, I thought you had forgotten me."
I said, smiling as if it was no big deal, while inside, my heart burned with the desire to get up, hug her and say:
'At least pretend you're happy to see me!'
But all I could do was sit there, trying to look calm.
"I would never forget you, Khun In."
"I guess not. We have a lot of history together."
I said ambiguously. But Arun BekFah just stand there, not responding, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere at the table. Then Miss Renu cleared her throat, trying to break the awkward silence.
"Have you two met before? I'm excited! Miss In knows the famous 'Golden Tongue'!"
"Is that your excited voice, teacher?"
Jao-Jom whispered, but we all heard it clearly, as the surroundings were too quiet.
"Jom!"
"Then I'll look forward to taking it all in. I really want to know the taste of 'someone you love...'"
"Arun BekFah Nok Ga Boey Bin."
I interrupt, saying the full name so that everyone at the table knows. However, Jao-Jom, with her playful attitude, soon starts humming, just to keep the mood light.
"Ok Hak Gin Ra-eurn Jaem Sai. Ah... it's been so long! I miss this show so much."
"No... that's the full name of the famous taster, Arun BekFah."
I explain.
The little girl who had been singing before slowly closes her mouth, visibly embarrassed at having accidentally made fun of someone's name. But Arun BekFah turns to Jao-Jom and smiles at her, as if to say she doesn't care.
"It's okay. I'm used to it. I'll bring you some food."
"I wasn't making fun, I just..."
"It's okay, really."
Arun BekFah reassures.
Then the sweet-faced former secretary walks away, while I'm left just biting my lip, and I see Miss Renu, who had been watching everything, take a sip of water, smiling from the corner of her mouth.
"Well, it seems I don't have to worry anymore when you and Jao-Jom meet."
"What?"
I stare at her, confused.
"Were you worried?"
"I guess I was a little jealous, but from now on I won't have to worry anymore."
The person looks at me as if she can see through everything, and it makes me angry.
Damn it!
It all started because of her. If I hadn’t wished I was as talented and brilliant as the teacher in front of me, I probably would never have met Arun BekFah, and I wouldn’t be so disconcerted now either. How dare she give me that loving smile? Oh, but she’ll see!
Jao-Jom looked at me as if she was thinking about something, her face didn’t have the same welcoming smile as Miss Renu’s, which puzzled me, although I didn’t ask anything.
