Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 28

In times of confusion and despair, Kwanruthai often thought of one woman. Lately, she hadn't been able to visit her as often. The house of Teacher Waew was several kilometers away from hers, and the route was steep, requiring a ride uphill.

Riding her motorcycle, Kwanruthai cried bitterly. The cold wind stung her cheeks, but it couldn't compare to the torment inside her. She had just discovered the truth: her mother's name wasn't Manee. She had changed it and held the noble title of Mom Luang.

No wonder her mother always bought luxurious items. She must have been wealthy once. Yet, it was Kwanruthai and her brother who toiled endlessly to provide for their mother's extravagant needs. The resentment boiled over, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

When she arrived at the house, she rang the bell repeatedly, sobbing in frustration. As soon as Teacher Waew opened the door, Kwanruthai collapsed into her arms, utterly drained.

"Kwan, what's wrong?"

She couldn't speak. The emotions overwhelmed her, making it impossible to choose where to begin. Teacher Waew led her inside, gently helping her to sit down. Kwanruthai had been here many times since childhood. Back then, she had just moved to the area and struggled to fit in. Teacher Waew had been her pillar of support. After her father's passing, her mother had forced her to leave school, even though she had just finished sixth grade. It was Teacher Waew who suggested she continue her studies through non-formal education and equivalency exams so she could still have a chance to attend university someday.

"Sit here for a moment. I'll get you a hot Ovaltine."

The house was as warm and tidy as always. Teacher Waew returned shortly with a steaming cup, but Kwanruthai couldn't bring herself to drink it.

"Why did you come so late? Is Gong with you?"

"My brother's working out of town."

"Did you fight with your mother again?"

The young woman's sobs grew heavier. The strength she had used to hold herself together finally gave way. She had stormed out of the house, ignoring her mother's shouts, indifferent to what would happen next. Suddenly, her mother felt like a stranger—a person she had never truly known.

Kwanruthai tried to recount the story, but it came out fragmented, her grief and shock taking over. When she revealed that her mother, Manee, was actually Mom Luang Martee Thewaprom, Teacher Waew's face paled.

"So that means your father is General Pinij?"

"You know my father?" Kwanruthai asked, surprised.

Teacher Waew nodded solemnly. "I read about him in the papers once. He was known as a womanizer with countless wives. When he passed away, his mistresses sued for inheritance. The news was everywhere for months. One of his wives, a Mom Luang, had just given birth. People gossiped about why she brought her baby to court. If I recall correctly, her surname had something like 'Prom' in it. But to be sure, we'd need to check old newspapers. Do you want me to ask a librarian friend to look into it for you?"

"Yes, please. I want to know if he really was my father."

If General Pinij was her father, it would explain why her mother frequented courtrooms so often. But as a child, Kwanruthai had been too young to understand. Her mother's love had been forbidden and fraught with battles against numerous mistresses. The lawsuits dragged on, only to end in defeat. Her mother had blamed her, calling her an unfortunate burden.

"I'll call my friend immediately. If it's true, you'll know your real father soon."

For years, Kwanruthai had wondered about her father. Why had her mother hated him so intensely, cursing his name every time she got drunk?