Amgyptapan

Chapter 41: New Beginnings

For Chandrakant, it was a perfect day for a leisurely stroll. The smell of early spring enveloped his sensitive nose. He could hear birds chirping and felt the sun's warmth on his skin. Yes, today was a perfect day to go on a long walk.
Too involved in the pleasures of spring, the pure demon failed to notice that he had wandered into a park. All around, people were flying kites, throwing frisbees, or in the midst of jogging. It had always disgusted the royal demon that someone would waste a precious day like this by jogging. Too far into his own mind, Chandrakant didn't see the young woman in his path until they had slammed into each other and they fell to the ground.
The young woman looked to be in her late twenties. She had the most stunning green eyes Chandrakant had ever seen. Her lips were plump and bright red. In one of her hands was a thick, flip notebook.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." The woman exclaimed.
Chandrakant replied, calmly, "It's fine, neither was I."
The woman explained, "I'm an aspiring author. I get my inspiration from my surroundings, so I tend to try to be in the natural parts of the world when that muse hits. I was jotting an idea that I had when I bumped into you."
"I like nature, as well. I was enjoying the feel of early spring and lost track of where I was going." Chandrakant responded.
By this time, Chandrakant and the woman had gotten to their feet. Chandrakant had to stop himself from gawking. The woman was only half a foot shorter than him and looked to be in near athletic shape. Her dishwasher blonde hair was held up in a high ponytail.
Chandrakant extended a hand and said, "My name is Chandrakant."
The woman smiled, took his hand, and replied, "My name's Amity."
Chandrakant smiled back and responded, "A pleasure it is to meet you, Amity."
Amity giggled and returned, "It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Chandrakant."

Molahs gushed, "Oh, you meet someone? What's her name? What's she like? How did you two meet?"
Akiva, Hessa, and Nothile burst into laughter. Trinity, Ioyazi, Takai, Erudite, and Serena shook their heads. Chandrakant rolled his eyes. His father, in his mind, could be a bit...enthusiastic when it came to his children meeting someone they could have a chance with.
"Her name's Amity. She's a beautiful aspiring author. We actually bumped into each other in the park." Chandrakant answered calmly.
Akiva remarked, "Amity means kindness, doesn't it?"
Chandrakant nodded with a small smile and replied, "It does. She reflects her name quite well."
"Are you going to see her again?" Hessa asked.
Chandrakant answered, "She agreed to meet me for dinner tonight."
Nothile remarked, "I am glad that you met someone. It sounds like you are...enamored with this woman."
"Yeah," Akiva interjected, "you deserve to be happy."

Amity stood in awe. Chandrakant had made reservations for Placebo Gardens, a French restaurant. She had heard that Placebo Gardens was so fancy, reservations were scheduled months in advance. She had also heard that getting a reservation on short notice was next to impossible.
In the middle of the room stood a fountain made entirely of alabaster stone. The fountain depicted Napoleon on a horse with a sword outstretched in his left hand. From the horse's mouth spurted red wine. The smell of the wine permeated the air.
"How did you get a reservation on such short notice?" Amity asked in wonder.
Chandrakant softly chuckled and answered, "Let's just say that if a member of my family wants to get a job, it's only for the experience."
Never had Amity been to a restaurant more grand than the Placebo Gardens. In fact, she felt underdressed in her black slacks and white blouse. Chandrakant wore a tuxedo and seemed comfortable with these surroundings. Amity had been burned before, but she really liked Chandrakant.
"Rich, huh?" Amity asked.
Chandrakant replied, "Well, we have been around for a few centuries. I did tell you I am a demon, right?"
Amity stated, "Even if you hadn't, it's a tad obvious."
Chandrakant smiled. They had been escorted to a table. Chandrakant ordered a bottle of red wine for them. Despite the overwhelming fanciness, Amity was beginning to enjoy herself.

Amity sighed in contentment. After dinner, Chandrakant had taken her to a movie. After the movie, she and Chandrakant had strolled around the park. Now, he was walking her home.
"I really enjoyed tonight." Amity exclaimed when they got to her door.
"I'm glad." Chandrakant responded.
Amity wondered, "Could I see you again?"
Chandrakant answered, "How about having lunch with my family tomorrow?"
Amity grinned and said, "I would love to!"
"Great! I'll come pick you up around eleven and you'll meet my family." Chandrakant returned.
Amity smiled and kissed Chandrakant on the cheek. The pure demon sighed happily as Amity turned to go inside. He had to catch himself from falling once the front door had shut. He felt, as he headed for home, that he was walking on air.
When he got home, Chandrakant was surprised to discover his brother, his brother-in-law, and his father waiting for him. Molahs and Akiva, he understood. He figured that he was about to get payed back for when Akiva had his first date with Trinity. However, Chandrakant had no idea as to why Nothile was waiting."
Nothile remarked to answer Chandrakant's unasked question, "Hessa's mood swings flared up and she kicked me out of the bedroom. If I know her, she will cool off after an hour or so."
"So, how'd it go?" Akiva asked.
Amused, Nothile interjected, "Just by looking at him, I can tell you how it went; they went to a lovely dinner, caught a movie, strolled through the park, he walked her home, and she kissed him on the cheek."
Astounded, Chandrakant inquired, "How did you know?"
"It is one of my many talents I picked up." Nothile replied, smirking.
"Well, maybe I can catch you by surprise. I invited Amity over for lunch tomorrow." Chandrakant declared.
Molahs squealed with delight. Chandrakant rolled his eyes at his father's reaction. Akiva grinned at his brother. Nothile looked surprised that Chandrakant would invite anyone over, let alone someone he might want for a girlfriend or a mate.
"Well, brother, I've got to say: I'm proud of you." Akiva exclaimed.
"Oh?" Chandrakant asked.
Akiva clarified, "Yeah, I've never seen you with a woman since I was a kid. So, to see you pine over a girl, a human no less, makes me proud of you. All I want for you is to have the happiness Nothile and I have."
In response, Chandrakant gave a small smile. He supposed that Akiva was right. For the longest time, he had refused to be with anyone because he didn't want to end up like his father. Chandrakant scoffed at himself as he realized that the only thing he'd done by neglecting his love life by not having one was forswear his own happiness.

Amity was nervous. She had never met a family of demons before. She was worried that, if Chandrakant's family didn't like her, they'd eat her or something. Growing up, she'd heard about how...morbid demons could be.
"Amity, might I introduce you to my family of nine. First, my father." Chandrakant began.
"Ah, such a beautiful young lady. Please, call me Molahs." Molahs introduced himself.
"Hessa and Akiva, my younger half siblings." At their nods of acknowledgement, Chandrakant continued, "My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Nothile and Trinity. And my nieces and nephews; Takai, Ioyazi, and the twins, Erudite and Serena."
"Wow! You're pretty!" Erudite exclaimed.
"Thank you." Amity replied.
To herself, Amity sighed in relief. From what she could tell, Molahs adored her. It felt weird to have a guy's father adore her. However, the rest of Chandrakant's family seemed nice enough for her to want to stick around for awhile.