A Dream Come True

Chapter - 22

In death comes peace,but pain is the cost of living. -TVD

"I'm so sorry for your loss Mr.King.Xander was a nice man."
Someone shook Bruce King's hand.
His face was expressionless.For the first time Bruce King appeared old,wrinkled, carrying the weight of the world.
Regina stood stiffly acknowledging the condolences of the people who attended the funeral ceremony of Xander King.Some of them deeply regretted the sudden demise of Xander while some offered their fake wishes.

Xavier stood at the podium.
He cleared his throat.
"Uh..Good morning to all."He took a deep breath.
"Its been a rough few days.With Xander being.."he gulped loudly, "uh gone.I'm sorry its too early.I.."
He again took a deep breath.
"Xander was good at this.With long drawn sincere speeches,with running the Kings' empire successfully,with Rosa,with Dad,with Ana,with..with me."His voice cracked.
"I still cannot believe he's gone.And man do I miss him?Its seems like a deep hole in my heart that nothing can fill up.I can't imagine my world without him."
He exhaled loudly.Tears streaming down.
He looked up at the grey clouds ready to pour out their heart in grief.
"Hey man I miss you."
Every single eyes in the funeral were now teary.Roxanna kept on sobbing.Anastasia clutched her hands tightly.She was quiet.Extremely quiet.After Xander's death Anastasia lost her voice.Doctors assured its temporary.
Regina nudged Roxanna softly towards the podium.
"Hello everyone,
I want to tell you all a story.When I was a eight year old kid.Our neighbours kid Michael pushed me and I fell down and hurt myself.
Uhmm..I was crying on the swing situated at the backside of the Kings' mansion.My favourite place.Xander was the only one who would know all my hideouts.He was the only one to tolerate my tantrums.Because he was just that good.
He told me if ever I needed something he would give me in a beat."And bro you did that."She looked up towards the sky and said softly.

"Anyway, he asked me who has hurt me.I narrated the story that our neighbour Lily's brother has pushed me.Without saying another word Xander scooped me in his arm.And quickly sprinted towards our neighbour's backyard.
Lily and her brother Michael was playing outside.
Xander carefully placed me on a seat and pushed Lily in front of us.I gasped loudly.Lily's brother Michael came running down to hit Xander.
Xander held his arm tightly and said through clenched teeth.
"This was my exact reaction when you pushed my sister.I would have knocked your teeth but I want you to go through the same pain which I just felt."
Michael was stunned into silence.
Xander again held me in his arm and took me to my room.He gave me his favourite toy car.
"But this your favourite."I protested weakly.
"Everything I own is yours."
"Can I play with it?"
"Only if you don't cry.I hate your tears baby sis."
Roxanna burst into tears..
She bit her lip.She blinked her eyes rapidly but her tears kept streaming down.

"He would do anything for me.Anything.The last thing he told me and Xav that he loves us both.I want to say....I love you Xander.
A piece of my heart is gone with you brother...
You're loved by so many,It will never be goodbye.
I hope you rest in peace.Amen."
There was a collective 'amen' from the audience.

Anastasia clutched Bruce tightly.
"Would you like to say anything?"
Anastasia shook her head robotically.She was numb.And so was Bruce.
The funeral ceremony was very emotional.When Xander's casket was lowered in the ground.Not a single eyes remained dry.Anastasias eyes stayed fixated on the wooden casket.Other than a few sniffling here and there,the atmosphere remained completely silent.Anastasia was broken.She didn't bother to conceal her tears anymore.It fell freely.Bruce held her firmly despite his shoulders were shaking time and again.

After the ceremony ended.Prayers service was conducted.
Anastasia accepted the guests wishes.Tears were shed,handshakes and hugs exchanged,and memories were shared.
Afterall only memories existed..

It was almost dusk when the last of the guest bid their farewell.
"I have a meeting but I have reschedule it.Is it okay Dad?"
"Sure son.Nothing is important than this."
Xavier nodded solemnly.
He hugged his father.
"Xander would want you to be strong."Bruce hugged him back and cried on his son's shoulder.
His patience was running low.
"Xander....."Bruce wailed loudly.
Roxanna hugged him from back.So did Regina.
Anastasia sobbed silently.Even though this was now her family too.She felt isolated.She was connected to them through Xander.But the main source was no more.Yet she had to fulfil her duties.

She stepped in front,and took a deep breath.
"Xav.."she opened her mouth.Her voice sounded strange even to her ears.All eyes widened.This was the first time she spoke after Xander's demise.
"Take everyone back home.
Dad,Rosa we're going to make it.Xander made me promise to take care of you all.This is me fulfilling my part.Go home all of you.You all need rest.These couple of days have taken a toll on each of us.Let's just take it easy now."
"What about you?Aren't you coming with us Ana?"Xavier was very concerned for Anastasia.
"I want to be alone with Xander for a while.I promise I'll be home after sometime."She gave a small smile.
"Anastasia you are like my Rosa.Part of this family.You know that right?"Bruce was studying her intently.
"Yes Dad."She whispered.
They all hugged her and made a beeline towards their car.
After watching everyone exit.Anastasia slowly made her way towards Xander's grave.
She sat beside the newly made grave.
XANDER KING
15th MAY 1990-13th NOVEMBER 2020
A beloved son,brother and husband.
You'll be missed.
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

She outlined Xander's name in the tombstone with her finger.She blinked her eyes rapidly to conceal the tears.But her traitorous eyes kept on pouring down.

"I don't have anywhere to go Xander.How am I gonna live without you?Firstly my Mom and Dad.And now you.All the people I love, left me.Abandoned me to fate.I don't wanna live in this world without you.Give me a reason.Do I even have one?I'm the most unluckiest person in the whole world.Devoid of people whom I love and who loved me.Am I so unlovable?"
She burst in to tears.She sobbed and sobbed until there was no tears left....

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