A TWIST OF FATE

TIME CAPSULE

New Thitipoom

I sat there staring at the scrap of paper but nothing really made sense. Who won? Who lost? Why would someone write such conflicting words. Why did the handwriting seem so familiar when I hardly knew anyone's writing here in Ratanawadi Mansion?

"Still awake?"

I was a little taken aback by that voice, but I managed to school my features before getting up and greeting Mr.Pravat Ratnawadi.

"Yes Sir.....I just wanted to read something before going to bed."

"Sit sit.... don't be so formal."

I bowed and sat down after he had taken his place opposite mine. Everything in this house was so formal as if they were living in the Elizabethan era and he tells me not to be formal🙄.

I didn't realise that I was still clutching onto  that piece of paper. I quickly put it back to where it belonged and shut the book but not before he saw the paper in my hand.

His face changed quite a few expressions before he finally cleared his voice and said, "It's really strange that you found that...." He said pointing towards the closed book.

I looked at him confused. What exactly did he mean by that?

"Don't you recognise that writing?" He asked looking quite surprised.

Was I a graphologist that I would have to recognise that handwriting? Why was he looking at me like that? Just an hour ago he and his wife clearly explained to me about my rightful place in society and now he was sitting here as if we were some old acquaintances! 😏

Of course....all that remained in my head 😇 as I respectfully in my most humble voice queried my confusion.

"Am I supposed to recognise this Sir?"

"Of course....though it's been many years but I am sure you will know that handwriting."

I quickly pulled out the paper again and stared at it. The writing looked a lot like my dad's but how could anything written by my father be here in this forbidden palace of the great Ratanawadis 🤔?

"Dr.Thitipoom?" His keen eyes were making me nervous.

"Actually......this writing is so much like my Poh's .....but I am sure it can't be......."

"And why is that?"

"Why would anything written by Poh be here....in this forbi.... I mean house?"
Thankfully I saved myself at the last moment. Why did my tongue had a habit of running on its own when least required😓

He smiled at that. His eyes looked amused as he said.

"Your dad was a good man Dr.Thitipoom."

My jaw would have hit the floor if it were medically possible😲. I stared at him not knowing how to reply to that shocking statement. How in the world did he know my dad? What was this piece of paper doing in their library? Most importantly....why do I land up in these awkward situations.... always🙄😥?

"Judging by your expression right now I guess you really have no idea what I am talking about."

Slowly I nodded my head, still too stunned to utter words.

"Honestly, your dad and me.......we weren't really acquaintances.... except for the fact that I was responsible for an accident 25 years ago, which almost robbed them of you." His tone unhurried he stared at his fingers as he continued.

"The day Tay was born, my wife Emma was about to give birth as well. I was in a hurry to reach the hospital, as Emma had already gone into labour. Your parents were on their way to some market, in a cab, when my car hit their cab. Your mother who was eight months pregnant then, started bleeding profusely from the impact."